Validity and Reliability of The 3-Meter Backward Walk Test in Individuals with Stroke

Abstract

Objectives: The 3-m backward walk test (3MBWT) is used to evaluate neuromuscular control, proprioception, protective reflexes, fall risk and balance. The aim of our study was to reveal the test-retest reliability and validity of the 3MBWT in stroke patients. Materials and Methods: This study included a total of 41 stroke patients [age 59 (35-78) years]. 3MBWT, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go test (TUG) were applied to the patients. The second evaluation (retest) was carried out by the same physiotherapist two days following the first evaluation (test) in order to measure test-retest reliability. Results: Cronbach's alpha coefficient was found to be 0.974 (excellent). For intra-rater agreement, the ICC values in the individual test were 0.985. The SEM value was 1.11 sec, the MDC value was found to be 1.57 sec. A moderate correlation was revealed between the 3 m-backward walking speed and BBS (r: -0.691, p: 0.001) and TUG (r: 0.849, p: 0.001). Conclusions: The 3MBWT was observed to be valid and reliable in stroke individuals. It is an effecive and reliable tool for measuring dynamic balance and falls in stroke.