Walking test outcomes in adults with genetic neuromuscular diseases: a systematic literature review of their measurement properties.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to review walking tests and their measurement properties in adults with inherited or genetic neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) to help clinicians and researchers choose appropriate tests.
Results Summary
The review found that most walking outcomes were valid and reliable in NMDs, with the 6MWT being the most studied test. However, studies on responsiveness and minimal important differences were lacking or inadequate.
Population
Adults with inherited or genetic neuromuscular diseases (NMDs).
Effective Dosage
Not available
Duration
Not applicable (systematic review)
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
walking tests and tools | no change | walking outcomes | adults with inherited or genetic NMDs | - | were found to be valid and reliable | #1 |
6MWT | no change | measurement properties | NMDs | - | was the most studied test | #2 |
studies evaluating construct validity, reliability and measurement error | no change | methodological design and statistical methods | - | - | were "very good" | #3 |
studies on responsiveness as minimal important difference or minimal important change | no change | measurement properties | - | - | were lacking or were found to have inadequate methodological and statistical methods | #4 |
INTRODUCTION: Neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) include a large group of heterogeneous diseases. NMDs frequently involve gait disorders, which affect quality of life. Several walking tests and tools have been described in the literature, but there is no consensus regarding the use of walking tests and tools in NMDs or of their measurement properties for walking outcomes. The aim of this review is to present an overview of walking tests, including their measurement properties when used in adults with inherited or genetic NMDs. The aim is to help clinicians and researchers choose the most appropriate test for their objective. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic review was conducted after consulting MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, Science direct, Google Scholar and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases for published studies in which walking outcome measurement properties were assessed. The validity, reliability, measurement error and responsiveness properties were evaluated in terms of statistical methods and methodological design qualities using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) guidelines. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: We included 46 studies in NMDs. These studies included 15 different walking tests and a wide variety of walking outcomes, assessed with six types of walking tools. Overall, the 6MWT was the most studied test in terms of measurement properties. The methodological design and statistical methods of most studies evaluating construct validity, reliability and measurement error were "very good." The majority of outcome measurements were valid and reliable. However, studies on responsiveness as minimal important difference or minimal important change were lacking or were found to have inadequate methodological and statistical methods according to the COSMIN guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: Most walking outcomes were found to be valid and reliable in NMDs. However, in view of the growing number of clinical trials, further studies are needed to clarify additional measurement properties.