Concurrent validity of the 10-meter walk test as compared with the 6-minute walk test in patients with spinal cord injury at various levels of ability.
METHODS
Cross-sectional design.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the concurrent validity of the 10-meter walk test (10MWT) as compared with the 6-minute walk test (6MinWT) in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) at various levels of walking ability, as determined using the criteria from the functional independence measure locomotor (FIM-L) scores.


METHODS
A major tertiary referral hospital in Thailand.


METHODS
Ninety-four independent ambulatory subjects with SCI (FIM-L scores 5-7) were assessed for their functional abilities using the 10MWT and 6MinWT.


RESULTS
The data of the 10MWT and the 6MinWT had excellent correlation in subjects with FIM-L 7 (r=0.83, P<0.001), good correlation in subjects with FIM-L 6 (r=0.74, P<0.001), but poor correlation in subjects with FIM-L 5 (r=0.31, P>0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The 6MinWT is a thorough assessment to reflect functional endurance, but it requires a long time and a large area to administer. The findings confirm the utility of the 10MWT as an alternative monitoring tool to the 6MinWT, but only for the patients with rather good walking ability.
1] School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand [2] Improvement of Physical Performance and Quality of Life (IPQ) Research Group, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
S
S
Amatachaya
1] Improvement of Physical Performance and Quality of Life (IPQ) Research Group, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand [2] Department of Fundamental Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Ratchathani University, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand.
S
S
Naewla
1] School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand [2] Improvement of Physical Performance and Quality of Life (IPQ) Research Group, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
K
K
Srisim
1] Improvement of Physical Performance and Quality of Life (IPQ) Research Group, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand [2] Department of Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
P
P
Arrayawichanon
1] School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand [2] Improvement of Physical Performance and Quality of Life (IPQ) Research Group, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
W
W
Siritaratiwat
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016138:Walking