Physiotherapy research international : the journal for researchers and clinicians in physical therapy
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The purpose of this paper was to determine if the Six-minute Walk Test (6MWT) was a reliable exercise test for patients referred to cardiac rehabilitation when up to three tests were performed and to determine if test scores differed according to between-test time interval. ⋯ Three 6MWTs completed in relatively short timeframes were not sufficient for reliable results as there was an increase in the distance walked, and relatively large increases in distances would be required to be interpreted as change. It did not make any difference whether the tests were all completed on one day or over one week. This study highlighted problems that may arise when relying on reliability coefficients alone to interpret reliability. These results suggest that the 6MWT may not have sufficient reliability to be a suitable test to evaluate exercise tolerance in patients referred to cardiac rehabilitation.
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The de Morton Mobility Index (DEMMI) is an instrument that accurately measures the mobility of older people across clinical settings. ⋯ Reliability estimates for the DEMMI were consistent across independent samples of older acute medical patients using different reliability study methodology. Error represents approximately 9% of the DEMMI scale width.
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Non-specific low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of disability in developed countries. Behavioural interventions have been found efficacious in reducing disability in LBP. Operant conditioning is one type of behavioural intervention being employed by physiotherapists; however, the effectiveness of physiotherapist-provided operant conditioning (POC) in the management of LBP disability is unknown. This review aims to answer the question: is POC more effective than comparison interventions in reducing LBP disability? ⋯ POC may be considered efficacious in the treatment of LBP. Physiotherapists may also consider POC for its additional effect of reducing long term disability in chronic LBP.