The reliability of the lateral step test.
BACKGROUND
Functional strength measures correlate more closely with functional performance than non-functional strength measures.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the reliability of the lateral step test as a measure of maximal strength.


METHODS
Intertester repeated measures.


METHODS
Research laboratory.


METHODS
Twenty four healthy, pain free subjects.


METHODS
Two protocols (A and B) were evaluated. The protocols were identical except protocol B involved a three second pause. Participants performed a one repetition maximum (1RM) for each protocol on two occasions separated by one week.


METHODS
Step height (nearest cm) representing 1RM.


RESULTS
Both protocols demonstrated excellent reliability, protocol A: ICC = 0.94 (95% CI, 0.87 to 0.97), SEM = 1.47 cm. Protocol B: ICC= 0.94 (95% CI, 0.85 to 0.97). Percent close agreement within 2 cm was 83.3% for protocol A and 79.1% for protocol B.


CONCLUSIONS
Both protocols demonstrated excellent inter-tester reliability as measures of functional lower limb strength.
King
Annabelle
A
School of Physiotherapy, University of Sydney, Lidcombe, New South Wales, Australia. annieking23@hotmail.com
Hancock
Mark
M
Munn
Joanne
J
D000328:Adult; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results