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Completed

NCT Number: NCT06704217

Reliability and Validity of the Six-Spot Step Test After Total Hip Arthroplasty

This study aims to assess the SSST's validity, reliability, and ability to differentiate between high and low fall risk individuals in THA patients. Establishing the SSST as a valid and reliable tool will help manage rehabilitation and apply timely interventions for THA patients.

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Key information

Conditions

Total Hip Replacement Rehabilitation Reproducibility of Results

Age range

55 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Ordu University

Ordu, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a common surgery for patients with advanced hip osteoarthritis, aiming to reduce pain and improve function. However, THA patients often experience difficulties in mobility tasks, such as walking, stair climbing, and standing up, even years after surgery. These functional impairments increase the risk of falls, highlighting the need for effective clinical tests to assess balance and mobility. Identifying factors contributing to balance dysfunction and implementing appropriate rehabilitation are crucial for improving quality of life.

The Six-Spot Step Test (SSST), developed by Nieuwenhuis et al., is a quick and easy test that evaluates balance and mobility in daily life activities. However, its validity and reliability in THA patients have not been studied. This research aims to assess the SSST's validity, reliability, and ability to differentiate between high and low fall risk individuals in THA patients. Establishing the SSST as a valid and reliable tool will help manage rehabilitation and apply timely interventions for THA patients.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Underwent primary unilateral Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA)
  • Surgery performed using the posterolateral approach
  • At least six months of postoperative follow-up

Exclusion criteria

  • Patients who underwent bilateral or revision THA
  • History of additional lower limb surgery
  • Body mass index (BMI) greater than 40 kg/m²
  • Neurological, orthopedic, or systemic disorders that could impair gait or balance

Treatment and study plan

Six Spot Step Test

Diagnostic Test

The Six-Spot Step Test (SSST), which evaluates balance and functional ambulation, will be performed in an area 5 meters long and 1 meter wide. Five wooden cylinders will be arranged in a zig-zag pattern within this space, with the last cylinder positioned at the centerline. The participant will be asked to strike the wooden cylinders with the medial or lateral side of the same foot and push them outward. The test will be repeated twice with the dominant foot and twice with the non-dominant foot. A trial will be conducted before the test to familiarize participants with the procedure. A two-minute rest period between the test and trials will be provided to minimize fatigue effects. The test's inter-rater reliability will be assessed by two physiotherapists with more than 5 years of clinical experience, who will administer the test twice at 5-minute intervals.

Oxford Hip Score

Diagnostic Test

The Oxford Hip Score will be used for functional level assessment.

Berg Balance Scale

Diagnostic Test

The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) will be used to assess dynamic balance, which is reliable and commonly used within the orthopedic setting.

Primary outcomes

  1. Six Spot Step Test-1

    Time frame: Day 1

    The SSST wil be measured by the first investigator

  2. Six Spot Step Test-2

    Time frame: Day 1

    The SSST wil be measured by the second investigator

  3. Six Spot Step Test-3

    Time frame: 7-10 days after

    The SSST wil be measured by the first investigator

  4. Six Spot Step Test-4

    Time frame: 7-10 days after

    The SSST wil be measured by the second investigator

  5. Timed Up and Go test

    Time frame: Day 1

    A timed up and go test test will be measured for validity analysis.

  6. Four Square Step Test

    Time frame: Day 1

    A four square step test will be measured for validity analysis.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Ordu University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Assessment of the Reliability and Validity of the Six-Spot Step Test in Patients Following Total Hip Arthroplasty

Acronym: SSST

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2025
First posted
Nov 26, 2024
Registry last updated
Jan 14, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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