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Article
Reliability and validity of selected measures associated with increased fall risk in females over the age of 45 years with distal radius fracture - A pilot study
Journal of Hand Therapy
  • Saurabh P. Mehta, Marshall University
  • Joy C. MacDermid, McMaster University, Faculty of Health Sciences
  • Julie Richardson, McMaster University, Faculty of Health Sciences
  • Norma J. Macintyre, McMaster University, Faculty of Health Sciences
  • Ruby Grewal, Hand and Upper Limb Centre
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2015
URL with Digital Object Identifier
10.1016/j.jht.2014.09.009
Abstract

© 2015 Hanley & Belfus. Study design: Clinical measurement. Purpose: This study examined test-retest reliability and convergent/divergent construct validity of selected tests and measures that assess balance impairment, fear of falling (FOF), impaired physical activity (PA), and lower extremity muscle strength (LEMS) in females >45 years of age after the distal radius fracture (DRF) population. Methods: Twenty one female participants with DRF were assessed on two occasions. Timed Up and Go, Functional Reach, and One Leg Standing tests assessed balance impairment. Shortened Falls Efficacy Scale, Activity-specific Balance Confidence scale, and Fall Risk Perception Questionnaire assessed FOF. International Physical Activity Questionnaire and Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity were administered to assess PA level. Chair stand test and isometric muscle strength testing for hip and knee assessed LEMS. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) examined the test-retest reliability of the measures. Pearson correlation coefficients (r) examined concurrent relationships between the measures. Results: The results demonstrated fair to excellent test-retest reliability (ICC between 0.50 and 0.96) and low to moderate concordance between the measures (low if r ≤ 0.4; moderate if r = 0.4-0.7). Discussion: The results provide preliminary estimates of test-retest reliability and convergent/divergent construct validity of selected measures associated with increased risk for falling in the females >45 years of age after DRF. Further research directions to advance knowledge regarding fall risk assessment in DRF population have been identified.

Citation Information
Saurabh P. Mehta, Joy C. MacDermid, Julie Richardson, Norma J. Macintyre, et al.. "Reliability and validity of selected measures associated with increased fall risk in females over the age of 45 years with distal radius fracture - A pilot study" Journal of Hand Therapy Vol. 28 Iss. 1 (2015) p. 2 - 10
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/joy-macdermid/161/