Article

AIM: To determine normative values for the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test in
typically developing children and adolescents and to validate its use in
individuals with Down syndrome. METHOD: Participants in this cross-sectional
study were South Brazilian schoolchildren aged 3 to 18 years. In phase 1, 459
typically developing individuals (227 males, 232 females; mean age 10 y 8 mo (SD
4 y 4 mo) were included; and in phase 2, 40 individuals with Down syndrome (16
males, 24 females; mean age 10 y 6 mo (SD 4 y 4 mo). Anthropometric measurements,
real leg length, TUG test scores, and Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) scores
were evaluated. The association between the TUG test and possible predictive
variables was analyzed. RESULTS: In phase 1, the mean time to perform the TUG
test was 5.61 seconds (SD 1.06). Values were stratified in age groups that served
as normative data for both sexes. A multiple linear regression analysis was
conducted and the best variables to predict TUG scores were age and weight. The
best model obtained presented an R(2) of 0.25 and a standard error of the
estimate of 0.92. Excellent intrasession reliability in the three tests performed
(intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] of 0.93, 0.94, and 0.95) and between
the sessions (both with an ICC of 0.95) was demonstrated. In phase 2, the test
also showed excellent reproducibility (ICC=0.82 between the two tests performed).
The performance time was significantly longer (p<0.001) in individuals with Down
syndrome compared with sex- age-, and weight-matched typically developing
children with a mean difference of -3.53 (95% confidence interval -4.05 to
-3.00). Dimension E of the GMFM (Walking, Running and Jumping) showed the highest
correlation (r=-0.55, p<0.001) with the test. INTERPRETATION: This study provides
normative values for the TUG test and shows that TUG scores can be predicted as a
function of age and weight in typically developing individuals. The test can also
be used for assessment of functional mobility in individuals with Down syndrome.
CI - (c) 2013 Mac Keith Press.

Langue : ANGLAIS