Mobility Assessment under Dual Task Conditions in Women With Fibromyalgia: A Test‐Retest Reliability Study

Abstract

Objective To assess the test‐retest reliability of the 10‐step stair ascent test, Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and 10‐meter walking test under dual‐task conditions in patients with fibromyalgia. Design Test‐retest reliability. Settings Local fibromyalgia association and university facilities. Participants Thirty‐eight women with fibromyalgia. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Fear of falling and the number of falls in the last year were measured using a visual analogue scale. The 10‐step stair ascent test, TUG test, and 10‐meter walking test were conducted under single‐ and dual‐task conditions. The order between single‐ and dual‐task condition was randomized in both test and retest. Retest measurement was assessed the week following the test. Results The reliability of the performance on the 10‐step stair ascent test under dual and single conditions ranged between good (>0.75 to < 0.9) and excellent (≥0.9), but there were significant differences between test and retest. The reliability of the TUG is between good (≥0.75 to < 0.9) and excellent (≥0.9) under the dual‐task condition as well as moderate (≥0.5 to <0.75) and excellent (≥0.9) under the single‐task condition. The reliability of the 10‐meter walking dual‐task test is between moderate (≥0.5 to <0.75) and good (≥0.75 to < 0.9) under dual‐ and single‐task condition, respectively. Conclusions The TUG and 10‐meter walking tests are reliable for assessing mobility under the dual‐task condition in women with fibromyalgia. The performance on the TUG, 10‐step stair ascent, and 10‐meter walking test under single‐ and dual‐task conditions was significantly related to fear of falling. These results may help healthcare professionals and researchers to interpret the effect of interventions in women with fibromyalgia.

Test–Retest Reliability of Isokinetic Strength in Lower Limbs under Single and Dual Task Conditions in Women with Fibromyalgia

“…It requires heightened attentional resources and engagement of executive functions [ 33 ], which are impaired in individuals with FM [ 63 , 64 , 65 ]. In this sense, the reliability of different tests such as the chair stand test [ 30 ], 10 m walking test [ 31 ], Timed Up and Go test (TUG) [ 31 ], arm curl test [ 30 ], and 3 m walking backward test (3MBWT) [ 32 ] have been investigated under DT conditions among people with FM. The findings from our study can complement previous research, expanding the range of reliable tests for assessing performance in DT situations in individuals with FM.…”

“…Several studies have already focused on assessing the reliability of various tests and measures under DT conditions [ 30 , 31 , 32 ]. This is crucial, since evaluating these activities taking into account not only physical demands but also cognitive factors such as attention and executive functions makes them more representative of real-life demands [ 20 , 21 , 33 ].…”

Ultrasonographic evaluation of muscle thickness in female patients with fibromyalgia and its relationship with clinical parameters

“…For 10MWT, a distance of 14 m with the first and last 2 m marked was determined, and the time that patients walked between 2 and 12 m was measured. To minimize the effects of habituation and fatigue, the states were performed in duplicate, in random order, and the average time was recorded in seconds [ 19 ].…”

Relationship between Kinesiophobia and Mobility, Impact of the Disease, and Fear of Falling in Women with and without Fibromyalgia: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…In this sense, the present study aimed to contribute to the literature with new information by analyzing the relationship between kinesiophobia with the number of falls, fear of falling, the impact of FM, and physical fitness tests closely related to activities of daily living, such as the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) [ 30 , 31 ], the 10-step stair ascent test [ 32 ], or handgrip strength [ 33 ]. In addition, an apparently healthy group was incorporated.…”