Validity and Reliability of the Figure of 8 Walk Test
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Community Based Rehab After Knee Arthroplasty (CORKA) Study Measures Investigation - Validity and Reliability of the Figure of 8 Walk Test
IRAS ID
180390
Contact name
Karen Barker
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Oxford CTRG
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 3 months, 30 days
Research summary
The Figure of 8 Walk (F8W) test was developed to measure both straight and curved path walking in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. The current literature shows that the F8W test is a valid and reliable test in elderly and stroke populations. However its validity and reliability for participants who have undergone knee replacement surgery is yet to be determined. In addition, to date the F8W test has only been validated in clinical settings under controlled conditions i.e.; with smooth floors and quiet surroundings. This is likely to differ from the environment participants will encounter in daily life and so may not accurately portray the individual’s advanced walking performance. There is therefore a need for the F8W to be validated in both the participants own home environment and for patients who have undergone knee replacement surgery.
Patients who have undergone knee surgery at least one year ago will have their eligibility checked and need to sign a consent form. The eligible participants will then be given the opportunity to choose to have their assessments carried out by a physiotherapist in either their home or in a clinical setting.
This study is of observational design and will involve three separate assessments during two visits to establish reliability over time and reliability between different measuring therapists. Hence measurements will be carried out once with the first research physiotherapist at one appointment and a further two more times at a second appointment, once with the first physiotherapist and again with an additional different research physiotherapist.REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/SW/0138
Date of REC Opinion
21 May 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion