Backwards Walking Programme Following Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) is used to objectively determine a patient's ability (or inability) to safely balance during a series of predetermined tasks. It is a 14 item list with each item consisting of a five-point ordinal scale ranging from 0 to 4, with 0 indicating the lowest level of function and 4 the highest level of function. All the item scores are combined to make a total from a minimum of 0 to a maximum of 56. Scores between 41-56 indicate a low risk of falls, 21-40 a medium risk and, below 20 a high risk of falls.

The Four Square Step Test (FSST) is used to assess dynamic stability and co-ordination. It looks at the ability of the subject to step over low objects (walking sticks placed in 'plus' sign position) forward, sideways, and backward in a square pattern clockwise and anticockwise. The subject is timed completing the stepping task as fast as possible without touching the walking sticks.

The Two Minute Walk Test (2MWT) is a measure of self-paced walking ability and functional capacity, particularly for those who cannot manage the longer Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT) or 12 Minute Walk Test. The participant is encouraged to walk as fast as they can, safely, without assistance for two minutes and the distance is measured in metres (m)

The 30 Second Sit to Stand Test is a validated clinical measure of lower body strength and dynamic balance. Also known as 30 Second Chair Stand Test (30CST), the 30 Second Sit to Stand Test is designed for testing leg strength and endurance in older adults. The test measures the number of stands a person can complete in 30 seconds. The range of number of stands are from 0 to over 20.

Activities-specific balance confidence (ABC) scale is a structured questionnaire that measures an individual's confidence during ambulatory activities without falling or experiencing a sense of unsteadiness. It consists of 16 questions gauging the individual's confidence while doing specific activities. Scores range for each item from 0 (no confidence) to 100 (completely confident). For the total score all items were added together and divided by 16 to give the average. The following cut-off scores to define level of functioning among active older adults; lower than 50 %: low level of physical functioning; 50-80 %: moderate level of physical functioning; above 80 %: high level of physical functioning.