Article

The aim of this study was to determine the reliability and concurrent
validity of commonly used physical performance tests using the OmniVR Virtual
Rehabilitation System for healthy community-dwelling elders. METHOD: Participants
(N = 40) were recruited by the authors and were screened for eligibility. The
initial method of measurement was randomized to either virtual reality (VR) or
clinically based measures (CM). Physical performance tests included the five
times sit to stand, Timed Up and Go (TUG), Forward Functional Reach (FFR) and
30-s stand test. A random number generator determined the testing order. The
test-re-test reliability for the VR and CM was determined. Furthermore,
concurrent validity was determined using a Pearson product moment correlation
(Pearson r). RESULTS: The VR demonstrated excellent reliability for 5 x STS
intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.931(3,1), FFR ICC = 0.846(3,1) and
the TUG ICC = 0.944(3,1). The concurrent validity data for the VR and CM (ICC 3,
k) were moderate for FFR ICC = 0.682, excellent 5 x STS ICC = 0.889 and excellent
for the TUG ICC = 0.878. The concurrent validity of the 30-s stand test was good
ICC = 0.735(3,1). CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the use of VR equipment for
measuring physical performance tests in the clinic for healthy community-dwelling
elders. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Virtual reality equipment is not only
used to treat balance impairments but it is also used to measure and determine
physical impairments through the use of physical performance tests. Virtual
reality equipment is a reliable and valid tool for collecting physical
performance data for the 5 x STS, FFR, TUG and 30-s stand test for healthy
community-dwelling elders.

Langue : ANGLAIS