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EXAMINING THE TEST-RETEST RELIABILITY OF A SIT TO STAND POWER TEST IN INDIVIDUALS WITH CANCER

Abstract

BACKGROUND: It is well documented that individuals with cancer experience pronounced reductions in physical function and muscle strength as a consequence of cancer treatments. However, it is being increasingly recognized that muscle power can also be substantially affected, which is important given the role of lower body power in fall prevention in older adults. Unfortunately, current tests of muscle power are timely and expensive, prohibiting their routine use in oncology settings. The identification of quick and inexpensive tests of lower body muscle power could provide greater insight into changes in skeletal muscle quality from cancer treatments. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the reliability, measurement error and minimal detectable change of a sit-to-stand power test in individuals with cancer. METHODS: 22 individuals with cancer completed two sit-to-stand power tests, each separated by 7-10 days. The test-retest reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC) were also calculated. All analysis were performed using R. RESULTS: The majority (95%) of participants were female, with 79% previously treated for breast cancer. Characteristics of participants were age: 64±8yrs, height: 65±3.1 in, and weight: 80.2±35.40kg. The ICC for the sit-to-stand power test was 0.86 (95% CI: 0.72-0.94), demonstrating strong test-retest reliability. The SEM was 240.43 and the MDC was 666.44. CONCLUSIONs: Our results indicate that the sit-to-stand power test reliable measure of lower body muscular power in individuals with cancer. Therefore, this test could be considered as a quick an inexpensive method of tracking changes in lower body power in oncology care. Further, our measures of SEM and MDC can provide researchers and practitioners value when interpreting changes in this assessment in individuals with cancer.

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