Predictors of standardized walking obstacle course outcome measures in children with and without developmental disabilities

Department

Physical Therapy

Document Type

Article

Publication Source

Pediatric Physical Therapy

Publication Date

2011-11-28

Volume

23

Issue

4

First Page

365

Last Page

373

Abstract

Purpose: This study was designed to determine which characteristics of children predict measures on the Standardized Walking Obstacle Course (SWOC). Methods: SWOC testing was performed under 3 conditions: (1) walk, (2) walk with a tray, and (3) walk wearing shaded glasses. Trials consisted of standing up, walking the course in 1 direction, and sitting down. Children (n = 440) completed 2 trials per condition. Trial measures included time, and numbers of steps, stumbles, and steps off the path. Relationships were evaluated using Chi-square analyses and significant predictors were determined by multiple logistic regression analyses. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated to determine the accuracy of disability as a predictor. Results: Age, weight, and disability were the strongest predictors (P < .05). Increased age and weight predicted shorter time and fewest steps. Disability predicts longer time and most steps. Conclusion: The SWOC is appropriate to screen children for disabilities in functional ambulation. Copyright © 2011 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Keywords

activities of daily living, adolescent, age factors, body weight, child, developmental disabilities/physiopathology, disability evaluation, motor skills/physiology, physical therapy (specialty)/instrumentation, physical therapy (specialty)/methods, postural balance/physiology, predictive validity, predictive value of tests, preschool, sensitivity, specificity, walking/physiology

DOI

10.1097/PEP.0b013e3182351c3c

https://doi.org/10.1097/PEP.0b013e3182351c3c

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