Reliability of a new rapid step test for older women and its relationship with fall risk and leg muscle function

This study aimed to examine trial-to-trial reliability of a new clinical test, rapid reaction step cued on a screen test, and its relationship with fall risk score, independence in activity of daily living score, and various leg muscle function tests. One-hundred fifty seven older women participated in this study. Nine square plates (32 × 32 cm) were lined up with three plates. Participants stood on a center plate and were instructed to step, using one leg, to one of the other eight plates, as quickly as possible, when that plate changed in color from white to red. The mean total time and the mean total error time of rapid reaction step cued on a screen and, fall risk score, activity of daily living score, lower muscle function (isometric muscle strength: toe flexion, plantar flexion, knee extension, hip flexion; balance: one leg standing time with eye open, functional reach test; gait: 10 m walk time with maximal speed). Results: trial-to-trial reliabilities of step parameters were high (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.75 - 0.85). The step parameters correlated significantly with the other parameters except for toe flexion and hip flexion strengths. In conclusion, the present step test was found to evaluate physical function related to prevention of falls in older people.