A Timed Seated-Mobility Measure for Older Adults Using Manual Wheelchairs

摘要

Aims: To assess reliability and validity of a two-minute wheeled mobility test (2MWMT) for older adults using manual wheelchairs living in long-term care communities. Methods: The distance wheeled on two days was compared. Three functional measures were completed on Day 1: Nursing Home Life Space Diameter (NHLSD), Physiotherapy Functional Mobility Profile (PFMP), and Nursing Home Physical Performance Test (NHPPT). Results: The 2MWMT showed excellent 1-week test-retest (ICC_2,2 = 0.92, Cl = 0.83 - 0.96), intra-rater (ICC_1,1 =0.99, Cl = 0.98-1.0), and inter-rater (ICC_2,1 = 0.97, Cl = 0.94-0.99) reliability. The 2MWMT was moderately correlated with the NHLSD (r=0.55, p<0.01) and NHPPT (r = 0.45, p = 0.02), but poorly related to the PFMP (r = 0.12, p > 0.05). Conclusions: One 2MWMT measure is needed to provide a short, reliable test of seated mobility in older adults using manual wheelchairs.