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RehabMeasures Instrument

Step-Up Test

Last Updated

Purpose

A test to assess advanced change of base of support.

Area of Assessment

Balance – Non-vestibular

Assessment Type

Performance Measure

Cost

Free

Cost Description

Cost of equipment needed

Populations

Key Descriptions

  • The test is to count how often the subject can step up on to a 10-cm block and down again leading with the weak leg in 15 seconds.
  • Not to be confused with The Step Test which involves stepping one foot on, then off a block as quickly as possible.

Number of Items

1

Equipment Required

  • 10 cm step/block
  • Stopwatch

Time to Administer

15 seconds

Required Training

No Training

Age Ranges

Adult

18 - 64

years

Elderly Adult

65 +

years

Instrument Reviewers

Suzanne O’Neal, PT, DPT, NCS & the PD EDGE Task Force of the Neurology Section of the APTA.

Body Part

Lower Extremity

ICF Domain

Activity

Measurement Domain

Motor

Considerations

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Stroke

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Test/Retest Reliability

Stroke: 

(Tyson S & DeSouza L, 2004; = 83, median age = 66.7 (12.5), median time since stroke = 11 weeks, 47% had left hemiplegia) 

  • Excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 1.00)

Interrater/Intrarater Reliability

Stroke:

(Tyson S & DeSouza L, 2004) 

  • Excellent intertester reliability (ICC = 0.97)

Criterion Validity (Predictive/Concurrent)

Stroke: 

(Tyson S & DeSouza L, 2004) 

  • Poor concurrent validity with the Berg Balance Scale (r = 0.19) 
  • Significant correlation with the Rivermead Mobility Index (r = 0.66)

Bibliography

Tyson, S.F., & DeSouza, L.H. (2004). Reliability and validity of functional balance tests post stroke. Clinical rehabilitation 18(8): 916-923.