Reliability for Running Tests for Measuring Agility and Anaerobic Muscle Power in Children and Adolescents with Cerebal Palsy

PURPOSE: We investigated reliability, construct validity, and feasibility of two sprint tests for children with cerebral palsy (CP). METHODS: Twenty-six children with CP participated (7-18 years of age; Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS] level I or II). On different occasions, the 10 x 5-Meter Sprint Test and the Muscle Power Sprint Test were scored by different assessors. RESULTS: Excellent interobserver reliability (intraclass correlation [ICC] = 1.0 and ICC >or= 0.97) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.97 and ICC >or= 0.97) were obtained. Scores differed significantly on both sprint tests for children classified at GMFCS level I and level II. Mean scores for feasibility ranged from 8.8 to 9.2 on a 10-cm visual analog scale (10 = the best). CONCLUSIONS: Both exercise tests are reliable and have good feasibility for children and adolescents with CP (GMFCS level I or II). Construct validity is supported for both sprint tests in children classified at GMFCS level I and level II.