Annabelle King1, Mark Hancock, Joanne Munn. 1. School of Physiotherapy, University of Sydney, Lidcombe, New South Wales, Australia. annieking23@hotmail.com
Abstract
CONTEXT: Functional strength measures correlate more closely with functional performance than non-functional strength measures. OBJECTIVES: To determine the reliability of the lateral step test as a measure of maximal strength. DESIGN: Intertester repeated measures. SETTING: Research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty four healthy, pain free subjects. INTERVENTION: 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. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: 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. CONCLUSION: Both protocols demonstrated excellent inter-tester reliability as measures of functional lower limb strength.
CONTEXT: Functional strength measures correlate more closely with functional performance than non-functional strength measures. OBJECTIVES: To determine the reliability of the lateral step test as a measure of maximal strength. DESIGN: Intertester repeated measures. SETTING: Research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty four healthy, pain free subjects. INTERVENTION: 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. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: 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. CONCLUSION: Both protocols demonstrated excellent inter-tester reliability as measures of functional lower limb strength.