Purpose:
This study evaluated intraobserver reliability and construct validity of the squat test to assess lower extremity strength in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and spastic diplegia.
Methods:
Children with CP performed 2 trials of the squat test and calculated the intraclass correlation coefficient to evaluate intraobserver reliability. Correlations between outcomes of hand-held dynamometry (HHD) of knee extensor strength and an 8-repetition maximum (8RM) leg press test and the squat test were calculated to evaluate construct validity.
Results:
Excellent intraobserver reliability was observed for the squat test. Correlations between squat test performance and HHD knee extension and 8RM leg press test demonstrated good construct validity.
Conclusions:
The squat test is a reliable and valid tool to assess lower extremity strength in children with CP and spastic diplegia. The squat test is inexpensive and less time-consuming, and therefore particularly suitable for clinicians.
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