Physical performance assessment in military service members

J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2012:20 Suppl 1:S42-7. doi: 10.5435/JAAOS-20-08-S42.

Abstract

Few established measures allow effective quantification of physical performance in severely injured service members. We sought to establish preliminary normative data in 180 healthy, active-duty service members for physical performance measures that can be readily implemented in a clinical setting. Interrater and test-retest reliability and minimal detectable change (MDC) values were also determined. Physical performance testing included self-selected walking velocity on level and uneven terrain, timed stair ascent, the sit-to-stand five times test, the four-square step test, and the 6-minute walk test. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, intraclass correlation coefficients, and MDC. Interrater and test-retest reliability were excellent for all measures (intraclass correlation coefficients >0.75). MDC values for timed measures were <0.3 seconds for interrater comparisons and <1.5 seconds for between-day comparisons. Physical performance measures had a narrow range of normal performance and were reliable and stable between days.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Military Personnel*
  • Motor Activity*
  • Physical Endurance
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Task Performance and Analysis*
  • Young Adult