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J Knee Surg 2020; 33(06): 589-592
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1681099
Original Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Reliability of 3-m Backward Walk Test in Patients with Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty

Bayram Unver
1   School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Dokuz Eylul University, Balçova, Izmir, Turkey
,
Kevser Sevik
1   School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Dokuz Eylul University, Balçova, Izmir, Turkey
,
Haci Ahmet Yarar
1   School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Dokuz Eylul University, Balçova, Izmir, Turkey
,
Fatma Unver
2   School of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey
,
Vasfi Karatosun
3   Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, School of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Balçova, Izmir, Turkey
› Author Affiliations
Funding We certify that no party having a direct interest in the results of the research supporting this article has or will confer a benefit on us or on any organization with which we are associated and, if applicable, we certify that all financial and material support for this research (e.g., NIH or NHS grants) and work are clearly identified in the title page of the article.
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Publication History

27 September 2018

22 January 2019

Publication Date:
12 March 2019 (online)

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Abstract

The 3-m backward walk test (3MBWT) is used to evaluate neuromuscular control, proprioception, protective reflexes, fall risk, and balance. The aim of the present study was to determine the test–retest reliability of the 3MBWT in patients with primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Twenty-eight patients with primary TKA, operated by the same surgeon, were included in this study. Patients performed trials for 3MBWT twice on the same day. Between the first and second trials, patients waited for an hour on sitting position to prevent fatigue. The 3MBWT showed an excellent test–retest reliability in this study. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for 3MBWT was 0.97. The standard error of measurement and smallest real difference at the 95% confidence level for 3MBWT were 1.06 and 2.94, respectively. The 3MBWT has an excellent test–retest reliability in patients with primary TKA. It is an effective and reliable tool for measuring dynamic balance and participant falls. As a clinical test, the 3MBWT is easy to score, requires little space, has no cost, needs no special equipment, and can be applied in a short time as part of the routine medical examination.

Keywords

falls - knee - arthroplasty - backward walking - 3MBWT