Examining The Test-retest Reliability Of A Sit To Stand Power Test In Individuals With Cancer

EXAMINING THE TEST-RETEST RELIABILITY OF A SIT TO STAND POWER TEST IN INDIVIDUALS WITH CANCERKenneth S Anderson, Alexander M Brooks, Olivia R Kocuba, Kylah E Jackson, Shana E Harrington, Ciaran M FairmanUniversity of South Carolina It is well documented that individuals with cancer experience pronounced reductions in physical function and muscle strength as a consequence of cancer treatments. However, it is being increasingly recognized that muscle power can also be substantially affected, which is important given the role of lower body power in fall prevention in older adults. The identification of quick and inexpensive tests of lower body muscle power could provide greater insight into changes in skeletal muscle quality from cancer treatments. PURPOSE: To assess the test-retest reliability, and measurement error of a sit-to-stand power test in individuals with cancer. METHODS: 19 individuals with cancer completed two sit-to-stand power tests, each separated by 2-5 days. Sit to stand power test is administered by having the participant sit in a chair with feet flat on the floor and standing up as quickly as possible while tethered to a power analyzer.The test-retest reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), with an ICC ≥0.75 considered sufficient. Measurement error was established by calculating the standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC). All analysis were performed using R (Version 3.3.0). RESULTS: The majority (95%) (n = 19) of participants were female, with 79% (n = 15) previously treated for breast cancer. Characteristics of participants were as follows: age: 63 ± 8 yrs, height: 65 ± 3.2 in, and weight: 80.0 ± 15.5 kg. The ICC [1,2] for the sit-to-stand power test was 0.9 (95% CI: 0.75-0.96). The SEM was 201.48 W and the MDC was 558.47 W. CONCLUSIONs: Our results indicate that the sit-to-stand power test is a reliable measure of lower body muscular power in individuals with cancer. Therefore, this test could be considered as a quick and inexpensive method of tracking changes in lower body power in oncology care. Further, our measures of SEM and MDC can provide insight when interpreting changes in this assessment in individuals with cancer.