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Validity and Reliability of the WAL-K Test

Evaluation of the Validity and Reliability of the Walking Adaptability Ladder Test (WAL-K) for Children in Children With Cerebral Palsy

Status
Completed
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Observational
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT05309096
Enrollment
66
Registered
2022-04-04
Start date
2022-04-01
Completion date
2023-11-01
Last updated
2023-11-15

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Cerebral Palsy, Gait Disorders in Children

Keywords

cerebral palsy, gait

Brief summary

Adapting the environment in which a child with Cerebral Palsy lives or adapting himself according to the environment facilitates independence in daily life activities. There is a need for practical performance tests to evaluate the gait adaptation of children with cerebral palsy in the clinic. However, no study has been found to evaluate gait adaptation in children with cerebral palsy. Therefore, the aim of the study is to evaluate the validity and reliability of the WALK test, which was previously developed for children with special learning disabilities, in individuals with cerebral palsy.

Detailed description

According to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health, physical, social, and behavioral environmental factors; can affect a child's disability, activity limitations, and participation. Adapting the environment in which a child with Cerebral Palsy lives or adapting himself according to the environment facilitates independence in daily life activities. There is a need for practical performance tests to evaluate the gait adaptation of children with cerebral palsy in the clinic. However, no study has been found to evaluate gait adaptation in children with cerebral palsy. Therefore, the aim of the study is to evaluate the validity and reliability of the WALK test, which was previously developed for children with special learning disabilities, in individuals with cerebral palsy. The study will be conducted by Afyonkarahisar University Faculty of Health Sciences.

Interventions

None listed

Sponsors

Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Observational model
OTHER
Time perspective
OTHER

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
6 Years to 18 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

* 6-18 years of age; * Diagnosed with Diparetic, Hemiparetic or Quadriparetic cerebral palsy; * GMFCS value being ≤3. * Communication Function Classification System (CFCS) for individuals with Cerebral Palsy ≤3. * Children with a Modified Ashworth Scale (MASH) ≤ 3 for lower extremity muscles * Ability to follow verbal commands * Ability to recognize colors or numbers * Able to walk ≥10 meters independently with or without an assistive device (orthotics or walking aid)

Exclusion criteria

* Presence of serious hearing, vision or cognitive problems, * Nerve block injection or orthopedic surgery in the last 6 months (such as Botox injection or muscle lengthening surgery) * Joint contracture

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
WAL-K test15 minutesThe WAL-K test evaluates gait adaptation ability in children. A 10 meter long ladder is used for the test. The test is performed in two different conditions: taking only one step or taking two steps towards a target. The individual is video-recorded for the scoring of the test. Scoring records the total time (in seconds) and the total number of errors (tapping a stick, taking the wrong number of steps on a target, or missing a target) to complete the ladder back and forth. A combination score of time and errors is determined (0.5 s penalty is added to the elapsed time for each error). For the test, 1 trial and two formal tests are applied. The highest of the combination scores of the 2 formal tests is determined as the test result.

Countries

Turkey (Türkiye)

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026