Kott, KM, Held, S;Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, and Daemen College, Amherst, NY. Kottk@Upstate.Edu.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of the Standardized Walking Obstacle Course (SWOC) for use in children and its concurrent validity with the Timed Get Up and Go (TUG). SUBJECTS: Seventy-three children ages 4.0-21 years (average age 9.2 years, height 53.5 inches and weight 88.4 pounds) fifty without disabilities and twenty-three with developmental disabilities completed all conditions of the SWOC and TUG. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The SWOC is a 39.5 feet long and 36 inch wide angled path with chairs at each end surface changes (shag rug, very colorful mat) and obstacles (large trashcan, standard crutch). Children were randomly assigned a start condition of the SWOC. Each participant walked the obstacle course with arms down, while carrying a lunch tray with place setting, and wearing shaded glasses. The time and number of steps to complete the course, stumbles, and/or step-off the path were recorded simultaneously by two raters. The TUG was performed by standing up from a chair with arms, walking 3 meters, turning, returning, and sitting down. The time and number of steps were recorded simultaneously by two raters. ANALYSIS: Since no trial differences were noted, all trials were averaged over time and number of steps. Stumbles and step-offs were insignificant. Inter-rater and intra-rater (test-retest) reliability were calculated using Intraclass correlation coefficient models. Pearson's correlations were used to calculate concurrent validity. RESULTS: High inter-rater (ICC=.98-.99 for time and number of steps) and intra-rater (test-retest) reliabilities (for time and number of steps respectively ICC=.88-.97 and ICC=.84-.96 for rater 1 and ICC=.83-.96 and ICC=.87-.94 for rater 2) were found. Increased variability was seen in the children's performances from day 1 to day 2 despite high intra-rater reliabilities. Concurrent validity with the TUG yielded correlations of .79-.92. CONCLUSIONS: Measures are easy to take and reliable for one rater and across raters. In comparing the TUG and SWOC subjects performed similarly on both in terms of time and number of steps. These results support use of the SWOC with children. FUNDING SOURCE: New York Chapter Physical Therapy Association funded the test instruments.

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