Intraobserver reliability and construct validity of the squat test in children with cerebral palsy

Maaike M. Eken*, Annet J. Dallmeijer, Annemieke I. Buizer, Saskia Hogervorst, Kim Van Hutten, Marjolein Piening, Marjolein Van Der Krogt, Han Houdijk

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Purpose: This study evaluated intraobserver reliability and construct validity of the squat test to assess lower extremity strength in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and spastic diplegia. Methods: Children with CP performed 2 trials of the squat test and calculated the intraclass correlation coefficient to evaluate intraobserver reliability. Correlations between outcomes of hand-held dynamometry (HHD) of knee extensor strength and an 8-repetition maximum (8RM) leg press test and the squat test were calculated to evaluate construct validity. Results: Excellent intraobserver reliability was observed for the squat test. Correlations between squat test performance and HHD knee extension and 8RM leg press test demonstrated good construct validity. Conclusions: The squat test is a reliable and valid tool to assess lower extremity strength in children with CP and spastic diplegia. The squat test is inexpensive and less time-consuming, and therefore particularly suitable for clinicians.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)399-403
Number of pages5
JournalPediatric physical therapy
Volume32
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2020

Keywords

  • Cerebral palsy
  • Lower extremity
  • Muscle strength
  • Reliability
  • Validity

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