Minimal Detectable Change for Motor Function Tests in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract

Objective: Improvement in a subject’s motor function is clinically evaluated by comparing measurements of the motor function tests taken before and after an intervention. Consequently, it is important to increase the accuracy of the determination of the intervention effect by confirming the minimal detectable change (MDC), which is an index representing the limits of measurement errors in motor function tests. This study aimed to examine the MDC of the five-time sit-to-stand test (FTSST) and the 5-m walk test (5mWT) in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 83 patients (63 women and 20 men, mean age: 73.7±8.0 years) with knee OA were subjected to two trials of the FTSST and 5mWT. The maximum walking speed was calculated using the walking time in the 5mWT, and the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were determined. Results: The ICCs (1,1) of the FTSST, the walking time in the 5mWT, and the walking speed were 0.90, 0.83, and 0.81, respectively. The MDC 95 for the FTSST time, walking time in the 5mWT, and walking speed were 1.71 s, 0.99 s, and 0.36 m/s, respectively. Conclusion: If the observed changes in the motor function tests exceed 1.71 s for FTSST time, 0.99 s for walking time in the 5mWT, or 0.36 m/s for walking speed, then an improvement in function is indicated. Such an improvement would reflect the effectiveness of the intervention. These findings may aid in clinical decision making when using motor function tests in patients with knee OA.

Gait cycle time variability in patients with knee osteoarthritis and its possible associating factors

“…The 5-m walk test (5MWT) 23 ) and Timed Up & Go Test (TUG) 24 ) were used to assess gait ability. The 5MWT measured the gait speed over a distance of 5 m. An 11-m gait path was used, with 3 m at each end prepared for acceleration and deceleration and the central 5 m used for measurement.…”

Evaluation of gait cycle time variability in patients with knee osteoarthritis using a triaxial accelerometer

“…The 5-m walk test (5MWT) [19] and the Timed Up & Go Test (TUG) [20] were used to assess gait ability. The 5MWT measured the gait speed over a distance of 5 meters.…”