The psychometric properties and clinical utility of measures of walking and mobility in neurological conditions: a systematic review

Authors:

Tyson, S. and Connell, L.

Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: To identify psychometrically robust and clinically feasible measures of walking and mobility in people with neurological conditions.

DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PEDro and AMED.

REVIEW METHODS: Independent reviewers selected and extracted data from articles that assessed the reliability, validity, sensitivity to change or clinical utility of measures of walking and mobility in adult neurological conditions. Measures with 'good' psychometrics and 9/10 clinical utility scores were recommended.

RESULTS: Seventeen measures were selected. Of these, the 5-m and 10-m walk tests, six-minute walk test, High Level Mobility Assessment Tool (HiMAT) and the Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI) reached the required standards and are usable in clinical practice. None of the recommended measures assessed wheelchair mobility. The least frequently assessed property was sensitivity to change. Further measures could be recommended if the minimal detectable change were demonstrated.

CONCLUSION: The 5-m, 10-m and six-minute walk test, High Level Mobility Assessment Tool and the Rivermead Mobility Index are psychometrically robust measures of walking and mobility and are feasible for use in clinical practice.

DOI:

10.1177/0269215509339004

URL:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19786420

Journal:

Clin Rehabil

issn:

1477-0873 (Electronic)

Publication year:

2009

pages:

1018-33

Functional status:

Physical functioning

Age:

Adults (18-65)
Seniors (65+)

Disease:

Diseases of and symptoms related to the circulatory system
Diseases of and symptoms related to the nervous system
Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes
Mental and behavioural disorders and related symptoms

PRO / non-PRO:

Non-patient Reported Outcome
Patient Reported Outcome

Type of measurement instrument:

1 - Questionnaires
4 - Performance-based tests
6 - Clinical rating scales
7 - Observations

Instrument:

10MWT - 10 Meter Walk Test   
12MinWT - 12 Minute Walk Test [alias; 12MWT]   
2MWT - 2-Minute Walk Test   
5MinWT - 5-Minute Walk Test   
5MWT - 5 Meter Walk Test
6MWT - 6-Minute Walk Test    | 
AI - Ambulation Index
CB&MS - Community Balance and Mobility Scale [alias: CBMS - Community Balance and Mobility Scale]
DGI - Dynamic Gait Index   
EFAP - Emory Functional Ambulation Profile   
FAC - Functional Ambulation Classification   
FMAT - Functional Mobility Assessment Tool
GABS - Clinical Gait and Balance Scale
HiMAT - High Level Mobility Assessment Tool
mEFAP - modified Emory Functional Ambulation Profile
Mobility milestones
mRMI - modified Rivermead Mobility Index
MSWS-12 - Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale-12
PAS - Parkinson Activity Scale
Pens taped to feet
RMI - Rivermead Mobility Index   
SAM - Step Activity Monitor
TUG - Timed Up and Go test