Evaluation of the Single Leg Stance Test for an Annual Preventative Physical Therapy Visit and the Effect of Education on the Perceived Value of Test Results as a Health Indicator.

Background and purpose: A preventative model of physical therapy (PT) care to promote activity and minimize mobility loss with aging is not routine. Performance testing and patient education are recommended to increase the perceived value of results to inform health decision-making. This study evaluated (1) the Single Leg Stance (SLS) test for an annual visit based on a priori criteria and (2) the effect of education on the perceived value of SLS and walking speed test results as health indicators.

Methods: In a cross-sectional study, ambulatory adults aged 55+ completed a pre-survey, performed SLS and walking speed tests, received education about their results, and completed a post-survey. The distribution of test results was displayed with histograms and analyzed for correlations. Participants used a Likert scale to rate how they perceived the value of their test results as health indicators before and after education and their satisfaction with the education received, including a novel pocket card.

Results: On average, participants (n = 152) were 64 years old (age range 55-82), 91% white, and 61% female. Walking speed results were normally distributed, and SLS results demonstrated a ceiling effect. Participants were below published norms for SLS 33% of the time and 34% for walking speed. The SLS test took an average of 3.6 minutes to complete. Binarized results for the tests as at/above and below norms were correlated with χ2 (1, N = 152) = 10.48, P = .001. The test results were significantly more valued as health indicators after education. Seventy-two percent of participants agreed (median rating 4, range 1-5) that they would be interested in PT if their walking speed results were below the norm, and 76% agreed for SLS.

Conclusion: The ceiling effect disadvantages the SLS test with an annual PT visit. Education on test results and comparison to norms increased how older adults valued physical performance measures as health indicators.