Intra-rater reliability of 6minute pegboard and ring test as a tool to assess upper limb endurance in healthy population between age group 40-70 years

Research based

Abstract

Background– An examination of muscle endurance is important in determining functional capacity. All daily living tasks – supported or unsupported require some degree of muscle and cardiopulmonary endurance. 6 minute pegboard and ring test(6PBRT)have been developed to evaluatearm exercise capacity in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Various studies have used the 6PBRT as a way to evaluate upper limb endurance in various conditions like COPD, asthma, etc.

Purpose of the study–To establish the intra-rater reliability of 6 minute pegboard and ring test as a tool for assessing upper limb endurancein healthy population between age group 40-70 years.

Method – A 6 minute pegboard and ring test tool was made according to guidelines of American Thoracic Society. A cross sectional study was done which included 138 healthy adults (males and females) with mean age of 55.34 + 8.02 years old. Subjects performed 6 minute pegboard and ring tests twice on same day, with 30 minutes rest in between. Number of rings moved during first test (T1) and after 2^nd test (T2) were recorded and compared to find out intra-rater reliability of the tool which was made.

Result–In each age group males and females taken were also equal i.e. 40-49yrs - 23 males and 23 females, 50-59yrs - 23 males 23 females and 60-70 yrs 23 males 23 females. There was no sample lossin the study.Cronbach’s alpha or coefficient alpha which is most common test score reliability coefficient came out to be 0.99. Average number of rings moved before were 296.95 and after 30 minutes were 302.24.

Conclusion – Study concludes that 6 minute pegboard and ring test, tool which was made for assessing upper limb endurance has excellent reliability.

Clinical implications – The tool can be used in clinical setup for assessing the upper limb endurance, for prognosis and to train upper limb endurance in healthy individuals as well as many other conditions.