Investigation of the applicability and safety of the three meter walk test in children WİTH cerebral palsy (SP)

The aim of our study is to examine the applicability and reliability of the 3 Meter Backward walking test (3MBWT) in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). 55 children with CP and 30 healthy controls (37 boys/18 girls) with a mean age of 12,34±3,78 years, at GMFCS 1 and 2 levels, were included in the study. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was used according to the GMFCS levels for the reliability of 3MBWT. MDC estimates were calculated using baseline data. The validity of the 3MBWT was evaluated by its correlation between the Timed Up and Down Stairs Test (TUDST), Pediatric Berg Balance Scale (PBBS), Timed Up and Go Test (SKYT), Functional Reach Test (FRT) and Four Square Step Test (FSST). The intra-rater and evaluator reliability of the 3 MBWT was also at GMFCS Level 1 (Intra-rater ICC=0,981-0,987, inter-rateer ICC=0,982-0,993) and GMFCS Level 2 (Intra-rerater ICC=0,927-0,933 inter-rater ICC=0,954-0,968) was found to be excellent Intra-rater MDC Values for GMFSC 1 were 1,17-1,22 sec. For GMFSC 2 they were 1,40-1,42 sec. Inter-rater MDC Heights for GMFCS 1 were MDC values were found to be 1.00-1.28 sec, and 1.08-1.22 sec for GMFSC 2. In GMFCS 1, 3MBWT with 3MBWT PBBS, SKYT, FSST were found to be quite strong. GMFCS, 3MBWT with TUDST medium, PBBS There was a difference between strong, SKYT, strong and moderate (p<0,05). The 3MBWT was found to be applicable, valid and reliable in children with CP. The 3MBWT is a clinically usable test for the evaluation of dynamic balance, functional mobility and falling in individuals with CP, as it is easy and does not contain equipment.