Validity and relaibility of performance tests assessing balance and fall in patients with total knee arthroplasty

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of various performance tests which are used for evaluating balance and fall risk in patients with total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods: This study included 41 patients who had undergone TKA surgery six months prior to the study due to osteoarthritis (OA). Mean age of the patients were 64.07±10.57. Participants performed the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), 10 Meter Walk Test (10MWT), Single Leg Stance Test (SLST), Forward Reach Test (FRT), 2 Minute Walk Test (2MWT), Five Times Sit to Stand Test (5x SST). All tests was performed twice. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) models were used to determine the test-retest reliability. Correlations between performance tests and Berg Balance Scale and Fall Efficacy Scale International were used to establish concurrent and convergent validity, respectively. Results: All tests showed excellent reliability (ICC> .86) except SLST which showed a good reliability (ICC= .72). SLST, 10MWT, 5xSST, 2MWT, TUG were found to have good validity (rho> 0.704) and FRT was found to have moderate reliability (r= .637). Conclusion: According to our results, TUG, 10MWT, SLST, FRT, 5xSST and 2MWT are reliable and valid outcome measures in patients with TKA, and could be used to assess balance in patients with TKA in clinical setting. Key Words: Total Knee Arthroplasty, Balance Assessment