title: Development of a rapid stepping test to challenge rapid weight-shifting function in older adults.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The ability to step rapidly, shift weight from side-to-side, and maintain temporal rhythmicity are important functional elements for walking independently and preventing falls in seniors.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to develop a clinically feasible test of rapid stepping performance that challenges the ability to step rapidly, shift weight from side-to-side, and maintain temporal rhythmicity.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants were a volunteer sample of healthy, self-ambulating older adults aged 70-98 years. A Repeated Alternating Stair Touch Test was developed, which involved rapidly shifting weight in the medial-lateral direction by tapping each foot alternately onto a step. Performance on the test was assessed using trunk acceleration signals. Associations between the number of steps completed on the Repeated Alternating Stair Touch Test in 20 s and acceleration magnitude, variability, and stepping rhythmicity were assessed using Pearson correlations and linear regression. Repeatability was assessed during a 2-week follow-up period.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The acceleration magnitude, variability, and stepping rhythmicity variables related moderately with the number of steps on the Repeated Alternating Stair Touch Test (r = 0.534-0.572, p < 0.05) and were independent predictors of the number of steps taken (R2adj. = 0.624, p < 0.001). Repeatability was mixed, though most acceleration variables and number of steps had moderate to high correlations between sessions (intraclass correlations: 0.486-0.828), but a learning effect was evident; performance improved between sessions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Repeated Alternating Stair Touch Test has potential as a simple test of rapid, rhythmic weight-shifting function, but requires modification to improve repeatability.
authors.affiliation: Department of Exercise Science, Willamette University, 900 State St., Salem, OR, 97301, USA.
authors.forename: Margaret M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Ruwitch
authors.affiliation: Department of Exercise Science, Willamette University, 900 State St., Salem, OR, 97301, USA. brow@willamette.edu.
authors.forename: Brandi
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Row Lazzarini
mesh_terms: D000054:Acceleration; D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D004856:Postural Balance; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D016138:Walking / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: Acceleration; Aging; Geriatric assessment; Postural balance; Rhythmicity