Reference value of 3 meter backward walk test in children

Balance tests are helpful in assessing a population with a variety of conditions. Computerized dynamic posturography and other tools for balance assessment are expensive, difficult to handle and use, and not readily available. Thus, basic screening exams like the 3-meter backward walk test (3MBWT) are developed. The 3MBWT is used to assess backward walking mobility, balance, and the risk of falling. 3MBWT is a quick, easy, and clinically standardized way to evaluate backward walking and is therefore a tool for balance assessment. The research’s purpose was to establish reference values for the 3-meter backward walk test in school-going children. Demographic details of 455 participants of both genders were noted, and then they were asked to perform a 3-meter backward walk on a tiled floor marked with black tape, and time was noted in seconds using a stopwatch. The 3MBWT median and ranges are stated to be 3.11 (1.41–9.55) seconds for the test with shoes and 2.79 (1.48–2.72) seconds if the test performed without shoes. To get a precise evaluation, the geometric mean (95% CI) was employed, which is as follows: 3.138 (3.19–3.40), 2.841 (2.88–3.05) for with and without shoes, respectively. The research was effective in determining the normative reference value of 3MBWT in subjects aged 8 to 14 for tests performed with and without shoes. The study also found gender- and age specific reference values of 3MBWT.平衡测试有助于对存在多种病症的人群开展评估。计算机化动态姿势图（Computerized dynamic posturography）及其他平衡评估工具往往成本高昂、操作复杂且难以普及。因此，诸如3米后退步行测试（3-meter backward walk test，3MBWT）这类基础筛查测试应运而生。3MBWT可用于评估后退步行能力、平衡状态与跌倒风险，其作为一种快速、简便且具备临床标准化的后退步行评估手段，可作为平衡评估工具。本研究旨在确立学龄儿童3米后退步行测试的参考值。研究收集了455名不同性别参与者的人口学基线信息，随后要求他们在贴有黑色胶带的瓷砖地面上完成3米后退步行测试，并使用秒表记录测试时长（单位：秒）。穿鞋状态下的3MBWT测试中位数及区间为3.11（1.41~9.55）秒，赤脚测试时则为2.79（1.48~2.72）秒。为获得精准评估结果，本研究采用了几何均值及95%置信区间（95% CI），具体结果如下：穿鞋组为3.138（3.19~3.40），赤脚组为2.841（2.88~3.05）。本研究成功确立了8至14岁受试者在穿鞋及赤脚状态下3MBWT的标准化参考值，同时还得到了按性别与年龄分层的3MBWT参考值。