Table 1.
Test | Function tested | Description | Equipment | Process | Utility | Threshold for clinically meaningful change |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
T25FW [19] | Walking disability | Measures time (in seconds) to walk 25 feet |
Unobstructed open space measuring 25 feet (no turns permitted) Timer (e.g., stopwatch) Mechanism for recording scores (e.g., pen and paper) Assistive walking devices (optional) |
Ask individual to walk the distance as quickly and safely as possible, stopping beyond the finish point to avoid a reduction in speed Repeat once |
Routine management and clinical trials | 20% change [19, 23, 24] |
6MWT [30] | Gait | Measures distance walked (in meters) in 6 min |
Unobstructed open space (turns permitted) Assistive walking devices may be used Timer (e.g., stopwatch) Mechanism for recording score (e.g., pen and paper) Assistive walking devices (optional) |
Ask individual to walk for 6 min at maximal speed | Clinical practice and clinical trials | 20% change [22] |
TUG [39] | Basic mobility | Measures the time taken (in seconds) to stand from a chair, walk a fixed distance, return, and sit down |
2-armed chair positioned in a space that allows a 10-foot walk Assistive walking devices may be used Timer (e.g., stopwatch) Mechanism for recording score (e.g., pen and paper) Assistive walking devices (optional) |
Ask individual to rise from the chair, walk to a mark 10 feet away, turn, and return to a seated position Repeat (once or twice) |
Clinical practice to monitor effects of medical and rehabilitation treatment | Improvement of 23–24% and deterioration of 30–31% [40] |
9-HPT [50] | Dexterity (upper extremity [hand/arm] funsction) | Measures time taken (in seconds) or speed (in pegs/second) to complete the task |
Table and chair Shallow container with 9 pegs and a block containing 9 holes for the pegs to fit in Timer (e.g., stopwatch) |
Ask the individual to sit and, using 1 hand, put pegs 1 at a time into the holes as quickly as possible; once completed, ask the individual to remove the pegs (with the same hand) 1 at a time and place back in the container Repeat once with the same hand Repeat twice with the other hand |
Clinical practice and self-assessment, and as part of the MSFC in clinical trials | 20% change [133] |
SDMT [65] | Cognition (processing speed) | Measures time taken (in minutes/seconds) to complete the task |
Set of symbols and numbers Timer (e.g., stopwatch) Mechanism for recording score (e.g., pen and paper) Symbol test, including mechanism for recording response (electronic versions of the SDMT may be available) |
Give the individual a set of symbols corresponding to a series of numbers Ask the individual to write down the symbols corresponding to the series of numbers |
Clinical practice and trials assessing cognitive processing speed | 4-point score change, 10% reduction in score, or change in 0.5 standard deviations [63] |
LCLA [76] | Visual disability | Measures impaired low-contrast vision at multiple letter sizes |
Sloan Eye chart Retro-illuminated cabinet or darkened room Mechanism for recording score (e.g., pen and paper) |
Individual seated 2 m from chart Individuals read letters aloud top to bottom and left to right Scores are quantified as the number of letters identified on a Sloan eye chart (maximum 70) |
Clinical trials | 7-point change [76] |
6MWT 6-Minute Walk Test, 9-HPT 9-Hole Peg Test, LCLA low-contrast letter acuity, SDMT Symbol Digit Modalities Test, T25FW Timed 25-Foot Walk, TUG Timed Up and Go