Test-retest reliability of the sensory organization test in noninstitutionalized older adults.
The purpose of this study was to determine the 1-week test-retest reliability of the Sensory Organization Test (SOT), using computer-generated scores and loss of balance (LOB) episodes in noninstitutionalized older adults. The SOT was administered to each subject on two separate days 1 week apart in an out-patient clinic. A volunteer sample of 40 individuals who were at least 65 years of age participated in this study. The main outcome measures were computer-generated scores for the first trial and the average of the three trials in each of the six sensory conditions of the SOT; computer-generated composite score of the six conditions; LOB on the first trial and any of three trials in each condition. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for the SOT first trial data ranged from .15 in Condition 3 to 0.70 in Condition 5. The ICCs for the SOT average of three trials ranged from 0.26 in Condition 3 to 0.68 and 0.64 in Conditions 5 and 6. Percent agreement was 77% to 100% for LOB on the first trial, as well as LOB on any of three trials of Conditions 1 through 6. As the conditions became more difficult, an increasing number of subjects experienced LOB. Analysis revealed fair to good test-retest reliability for computer-generated scores and good reliability for LOB across some conditions of the SOT. A modification to the current scoring system is suggested which would improve the reliability of the computer-generated scores of the SOT.
Ford-Smith
C D
CD
Department of Physical Therapy, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond.
Wyman
J F
JF
Elswick
R K
RK
Fernandez
T
T
Newton
R A
RA
D000368:Aged; D001330:Electronic Data Processing; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010775:Photic Stimulation; D010812:Physical Stimulation; D004856:Postural Balance; D011187:Posture; D011434:Proprioception; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*