Test-retest reliability and minimal detectable change scores for fitness assessment in older adults with type 2 diabetes

Purpose: To assess the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and to determine the minimal detectable change (MDC95) scores of the data for the Hand Grip Strength Test, the Chair Sit and Reach Test (CSRT), the Timed “Up and Go” (TUG) test, the 6‐Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and 30 seconds Sit to Stand Test (30s‐STS) test in older adults with type 2 NIDDM. Design: Test–retest reliability. Methods: Eighteen subject participated in two sessions (1 week apart), which included the different tests. Findings: High ICCs (≥0.92) were found for all tests. The MDC95 scores were as follows: 4.0 kg for Hand Grip Strength Tests, 7.5 cm for the right leg‐CSRT, 9.0 cm for the left leg‐CSRT, 1.0 second for the TUG test, 27 m for the 6MWT, and 3.3 repetitions for the 30s‐STS test. Conclusions: All tests evaluated are reliable outcome measures for type 2 NIDDM patients. Clinical relevance: This study has generated novel MCD95 data, which will assist nursing practitioners in both prescribing the most beneficial exercise and interpreting posttreatment changes after rehabilitation in patients with T2DM.