Figure-of-eight Backward Walk Test in Elderly

Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot listed
Trial typeObservational
Biological sexAll
Age65-85
SponsorKahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University

About this trial

Mobility is a fundamental element of healthy aging. Balance is a necessary function during mobility for all movements throughout life in elderly individuals. Falls due to balance disorders in elderly individuals cause a decrease in the quality of life. Studies in the literature indicate that 13% of individuals aged 65-69 experience falls, and this rate rises to 46% in individuals over 85. Lower extremity muscle volume and strength gradually decrease with aging. This decreased muscle strength directly impacts individuals' activities of daily living.Normal walking speed for elderly individuals is related to balance and overall health performance. However, walking assessments generally focus on walking activities in a forward direction and in a straight line. However, in daily life, we may need to sit on a chair, walk backward to navigate a narrow space, or change direction suddenly due to obstacles or environmental cues. Walking backward requires more complex motor control, and these gait training programs are known to be effective in improving balance and walking skills.Clinically, balance assessments in the elderly persons are commonly measured by using the TUG, 10-meter walk test, functional reach test, 4-square step test, and Berg balance scale. The methods used to assess balance are still not fully standardized. The best test for assessing dynamic balance and fall risk is still up for debate, especially when it comes to elderly individuals who live freely in the community. Further research is needed to determine whether lateral walking tests can identify those at high risk of falling in elderly adults. The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability, validity, and minimal detectable change (MDC) of the Figure-of-8 backward walking test in healthy elderly adults.

Eligibility criteria

This trial accepts healthy volunteers

Qualifiers

Healthy elderly individuals over 65 years of age.

Elderly individuals who have fluent in Turkish and able to communicate.

Elderly individuals who have no cognitive impairment.

Disqualifiers

Elderly individuals who have any neurological problems (Parkinson's, hemiplegia, etc.)

Elderly individuals who have any orthopedic problems (fractures, etc., in the last year)

Elderly individuals who have a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 40 kg/m2

Elderly individuals who havevision problems

Trial population

It is planned to include elderly individuals over 65 years of age residing in the Kahramanmaraş city center in the scope of the research, and healthy elderly individuals over 65 years of age (n=87) who can be reached by random sampling method will be included in the research.

Trial design

Design model

Other

Time perspective

Prospective

Treatments tested in this trial

Not listed

Trial groups

87 Participants
are grouped into 1 trial group
Group A: 1/study group

Trial outcomes

Primary outcomes

1

figure-of-eight backward walking test

In the figure-of-eight backward walking (F8BWT) test, participants begin at the midpoint of two cones 1.5 m apart. Participants walk backward, circle both cones, and record the time it takes to return to the starting point. The test is administered by both raters on the first and second days.The assessments will be conducted by two separate specialists(physiotherapists). Individuals' completion times for each activity during the tests will be recorded using a stopwatch. Assessments will be conducted over two days, in two sessions per day. On the first day, in the first session, the first assessor (PT1) will perform the F8BWT twice. In the second session, the second assessor (PT2) will perform the F8BWT twice. The average of the two recorded times will be noted. On the second day of the assessment, the PT2 will begin by performing the F8BWT. PT2 will then perform the F8BWT twice. The average of the two recorded times will be noted.

Time frame
On the day 1, in the first session, the first assessor (PT1) will perform the F8BWT twice. In the second session, the second assessor (PT2) will perform the F8BWT twice.

Secondary outcomes

1

SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC FORM

Demographic information (age, height, weight, gender, education level, medication use, chronic diseases, medications), history and number of falls in the last year, and history of surgery on the lower extremity will be questioned.

Time frame
On the day1, in the first session, the first assessor (PT1) will record.
2

8-Figure Walk Test

This test is used to evaluate individuals' walking and balance performance. In the figure-of-eight backward walking test, participants start from the midpoint of two cones 1.5 m apart. Participants walk forward, circle each cone, and record the time it takes to return to the starting point.

Time frame
On the day1, in the first session, the first assessor (PT1) will record.
3

Timed Up and Go Test (TUG)

In the timed up and go test, the time required for the participant to rise from a chair, walk 3 m, turn, walk back, and sit back in the chair is recorded. Participants are asked to remove their shoes if they have any that might affect walking performance.

Time frame
On the first day1, in the first session, the first assessor (PT1) will record.
4

Modified 4-Square Step Test (mFSST)

The mFSST is a dynamic balance test that involves forward, backward, and sideways steps. A square is drawn on the floor and consists of four equal parts. These are numbered clockwise, 1-2-3-4. Subjects are asked to complete the test one step at a time, following the command "Start," 1-2-3-4, and then 4-3-2-1, without scraping their feet. The elapsed time is recorded.

Time frame
On the first day1, in the first session, the first assessor (PT1) will record.

Other outcomes

Sponsors and contacts

Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.