Research Article

Test-retest reliability and concurrent validity of the 3-Meter Backward Walk Test in female patients with knee osteoarthritis

Volume: 39 Number: 1 January 28, 2026
EN

Test-retest reliability and concurrent validity of the 3-Meter Backward Walk Test in female patients with knee osteoarthritis

Abstract

Objective: 3-Meter Backward Walk Test (3MBWT) is a physical performance-based test that assesses balance, proprioception, and fall risk. The present study aimed to reveal the reliability of the test-retest and the concurrent validity of 3MBWT in persons with knee osteoarthritis, which has not been studied yet. Patients and Methods: A total of 37 female patients were involved in the present study. 3MBWT was administered twice (one-week interval between sessions) in two different sessions, and the average score was recorded. The Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and Modified Falls Efficacy Scale (MFES) were applied in the initial assessment to investigate correlations with 3MBWT. Results: The 3MBWT presented high intra-reliability (ICC=0.872). While, a strong correlation was observed between the 3MBWT and TUG (r=0.791), a moderate correlation was revealed between MFES and 3MBWT (r=-0.671). Significant correlations with the 3MBWT and KOOS subscales (ranging from – 0.726 to – 0.364) were also observed. The standard error of measurement (SEM) and the minimal detectable change (MDC95) were calculated as 2.36 and 6.55 seconds, respectively. Conclusion: 3MBWT is both a valid and reliable measurement tool in persons with knee osteoarthritis. It could be used to monitor the progression of the disease and the functional status of persons with knee osteoarthritis.

Keywords

References

  1. Cui A, Li H, Wang D, Zhong J, Chen Y, Lu H. Global, regional prevalence, incidence and risk factors of knee osteoarthritis in population-based studies. EClinicalMedicine 2020;29- 30:100587. doi: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2020.100587
  2. Katz JN, Arant KR, Loeser RF. Diagnosis and treatment of hip and knee osteoarthritis: A review. JAMA 2021;325:568-78. doi: 10.1001/jama.2020.22171
  3. Hinman RS, Bennell KL, Metcalf BR, Crossley KM. Balance impairments in individuals with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: A comparison with matched controls using clinical tests. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2002;41:1388-94. doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/41.12.1388
  4. Wilfong J, Perruccio A, Badley E. Contributors to the risk of falling among individuals with knee osteoarthritis: A longitudinal community-based study. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2020;28(Suppl 1):S427. doi: 10.1016/j.joca.2020.02.661
  5. Kim HS, Yun DH, Yoo SD, et al. Balance control and knee osteoarthritis severity. Ann Rehabil Med 2011;35(5):701-9. doi: 10.5535/arm.2011.35.5.701
  6. Deng ZH, Xu J, Long LJ, et al. Association between hip and knee osteoarthritis with falls: A systematic review and metaanalysis. Int J Clin Pract 2021;75:e14537. doi: 10.1111/ ijcp.14537
  7. di Laura Frattura G, Filardo G, Giunchi D, Fusco A, Zaffagnini S, Candrian C. Risk of falls in patients with knee osteoarthritis undergoing total knee arthroplasty: A systematic review and best evidence synthesis. J Orthop 2018;15:903-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jor.2018.08.026
  8. Unver B, Kacmaz K, Karatosun V. Reliability and validity of the cone evasion walk test In knee osteoarthritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2023;82(Suppl 1):818-9. doi: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2023- eular.6252

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Surgery (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

January 28, 2026

Submission Date

August 11, 2025

Acceptance Date

November 10, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 39 Number: 1

APA
Yildiz, M., & Aydoğdu, O. (2026). Test-retest reliability and concurrent validity of the 3-Meter Backward Walk Test in female patients with knee osteoarthritis. Marmara Medical Journal, 39(1), 32-38. https://doi.org/10.5472/marumj.1873019
AMA
1.Yildiz M, Aydoğdu O. Test-retest reliability and concurrent validity of the 3-Meter Backward Walk Test in female patients with knee osteoarthritis. Marmara Med J. 2026;39(1):32-38. doi:10.5472/marumj.1873019
Chicago
Yildiz, Merve, and Onur Aydoğdu. 2026. “Test-Retest Reliability and Concurrent Validity of the 3-Meter Backward Walk Test in Female Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis”. Marmara Medical Journal 39 (1): 32-38. https://doi.org/10.5472/marumj.1873019.
EndNote
Yildiz M, Aydoğdu O (January 1, 2026) Test-retest reliability and concurrent validity of the 3-Meter Backward Walk Test in female patients with knee osteoarthritis. Marmara Medical Journal 39 1 32–38.
IEEE
[1]M. Yildiz and O. Aydoğdu, “Test-retest reliability and concurrent validity of the 3-Meter Backward Walk Test in female patients with knee osteoarthritis”, Marmara Med J, vol. 39, no. 1, pp. 32–38, Jan. 2026, doi: 10.5472/marumj.1873019.
ISNAD
Yildiz, Merve - Aydoğdu, Onur. “Test-Retest Reliability and Concurrent Validity of the 3-Meter Backward Walk Test in Female Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis”. Marmara Medical Journal 39/1 (January 1, 2026): 32-38. https://doi.org/10.5472/marumj.1873019.
JAMA
1.Yildiz M, Aydoğdu O. Test-retest reliability and concurrent validity of the 3-Meter Backward Walk Test in female patients with knee osteoarthritis. Marmara Med J. 2026;39:32–38.
MLA
Yildiz, Merve, and Onur Aydoğdu. “Test-Retest Reliability and Concurrent Validity of the 3-Meter Backward Walk Test in Female Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis”. Marmara Medical Journal, vol. 39, no. 1, Jan. 2026, pp. 32-38, doi:10.5472/marumj.1873019.
Vancouver
1.Merve Yildiz, Onur Aydoğdu. Test-retest reliability and concurrent validity of the 3-Meter Backward Walk Test in female patients with knee osteoarthritis. Marmara Med J. 2026 Jan. 1;39(1):32-8. doi:10.5472/marumj.1873019