The Validity and Reliability of the Six-Spot Step Test (SSST) in Older Adults

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the validity and reliability of the Six-Spot Step Test (SSST) in older adults. Methods: The study included 100 adults (60 males and 40 females) with a mean age of 68.91 years. The cognitive level of the older adults was evaluated with the Standardized Mini Mental Examination. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used for reliability of the SSST. For the convergent validity of the SSST, the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), the 10-m walk test (10MWT), the Four-Square Step Test (FSST), and the Tinetti Balance and Gait test were used. Results: According to the results of the study, the ICC was 0.96 for the right foot and 0.93 for the left foot. This result shows that the ICC value for the right and left feet is excellent. The SSST, which was performed separately with right and left feet, was found to have excellent correlation with the TUG, high-level correlation with the 10MWT, moderate-level correlation with the FSST, moderate-level correlation with the Tinetti test, and high-level correlation with the gait test. Conclusions: According to these results, it was concluded that the SSST is a valid and reliable test for older adults. Copyright © 2020 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.