The test-retest reliability and concurrent validity of the 3-m backward walk test and 50-ft walk test in community-dwelling older adults.

Background: Three-meter backward walk test (3MBWT) and 50-ft walk test (50FWT) are frequent physical performance tests in clinical practice.

Aims: The aim of the study was to determine the test-retest reliability and concurrent validity of the 3MBWT and 50FWT in community-dwelling older adults.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 65 participants. 3MBWT, 50FWT, Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and Five Times Sit to Stand Test (FTST) were evaluated in the first assessment. The test-retest reliability was evaluated by performing two repetitions of the 3MBWT and 50FWT with 1-h interval. The test-retest reliability and validity were assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the Spearman correlation coefficient, respectively.

Results: The mean age of the participants was 68.9±3.7 years. The ICC score of 3MBWT and 50FWT were 0.940 and 0.820, respectively. The test-retest reliability of both tests was excellent (> 0.80). Both the test and retest assessment of the 3MBWT were strongly correlated with TUG (r = 0.649, r = 0.645, p < 0.01). 50FWT (test) was not significantly correlated with FTST (r = 0.215, p > 0.05). 50FWT (retest) were weakly correlated with FTST (r = 0.260, p < 0.05). Both the test and retest assessments of the 50FWT was strongly correlated with TUG (r = 0.550, r = 0.596, p < 0.01).

Conclusions: The 3MBWT and 50FWT are valid and reliable performance tests in community-dwelling older adults. MDC value of both tests provides an essential contribution to clinical practice.