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

Abstract

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. Test-retest reliability. Local fibromyalgia association and university facilities. Thirty-eight women with fibromyalgia. Not applicable. 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. 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. 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.