title: Validity and Reliability of Skill-Related Fitness Tests for Wheelchair-Using Youth With Spina Bifida.
abstract: To determine content validity of the Muscle Power Sprint Test (MPST), and construct validity and reliability of the MPST, 10×5 Meter Sprint Test (10×5MST), slalom test, and One Stroke Push Test (1SPT) in wheelchair-using youth with spina bifida (SB).
  
  
  
  Clinimetric study.
  
  
  
  Rehabilitation centers, SB outpatient services, and private practices.
  
  
  
  A convenience sample of children and adolescents (N=53; 32 boys, 21 girls; age range, 5-19y) with SB who use a manual wheelchair. Participants were recruited through rehabilitation centers, SB outpatient services, pediatric physical therapists, and the BOSK (Association of Physically Disabled Persons and their Parents).
  
  
  
  Not applicable.
  
  
  
  Construct validity of the MPST was determined by comparing results with the arm-cranking Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT) using paired t tests and Pearson correlation coefficients, while content validity was assessed using time-based criteria for anaerobic testing. Construct validity of the 10×5MST, slalom test, and 1SPT was analyzed by hypothesis testing using Pearson correlation coefficients and multiple regression. For reliability, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and smallest detectable changes (SDCs) were calculated.
  
  
  
  For the MPST, the mean ± SD exercise time of 4 sprints was 28.1±6.6 seconds. Correlations between the MPST and arm-cranking WAnT were high (r>.72, P<.01). Excellent correlations were found between the 10×5MST and slalom test (r=.93, P<.01), while correlations between the 10×5MST or slalom test and MPST and 1SPT were moderate (r=-.56 to -.70; r=.56, P<.01). The variation of the 1SPT was explained for 38% by wheelchair mass (β=-.489) and total upper muscle strength (β=.420). All ICCs were excellent (ICCs>.95), but the SDCs varied widely.
  
  
  
  The MPST is a valid and reliable test in wheelchair-using youth with SB for measuring anaerobic performance. The 10×5MST and slalom test are valid and reliable for measuring agility. For the 1SPT, both validity and reliability are questionable.
authors.affiliation: Research Group Lifestyle and Health, HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Child Development and Exercise Center, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Master Program Pediatric Physical Therapy, HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands. Electronic address: manon.bloemen@hu.nl.
authors.forename: Manon A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Bloemen
authors.affiliation: Child Development and Exercise Center, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Tim
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Takken
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Frank J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Backx
authors.affiliation: Research Group Lifestyle and Health, HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Master Program Pediatric Physical Therapy, HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Marleen
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vos
authors.affiliation: Department of Biostatistics and Research Support, Julius Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Cas L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Kruitwagen
authors.affiliation: Research Group Lifestyle and Health, HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Child Development and Exercise Center, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Janke F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: de Groot
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000523:psychology*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000592:standards*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D016135:Spinal Dysraphism; D014910:Wheelchairs; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Adolescent; Child; Exercise test; Rehabilitation; Spinal dysraphism; Wheelchairs