Comparing treadmill and overground versions of the two-minute walk test in people with low back pain

Anders Hansen*, Kieran O’Sullivan, Casper Nim, Søren O’Neill

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Purpose: Individuals with Low Back Pain (LBP) often face significant disabilities, including walking limitations. We use the Two-Minute Walk Test (2MWT) to assess walking performance, comparing overground and treadmill versions for correlation and interchangeability. Material and methods: A randomised cross-over study of 40 participants with LBP randomly completed the 2MWT in a hallway and on a treadmill. The correlation was analysed by the Spearman Rho correlation coefficient (r), the agreement by the Bland-Altman method, differences between the testing orders by a paired sample t-test, and the association by a univariate regression. Results: A high correlation was found between the methods (r = 0.76, p < 0.01). The difference between the methods was 45.4 metres (95% CI 33.4: 57.4, p < 0.01) or 29%, with an insignificant 6.8 metres (95% CI −17.4: 31.0, p = 0.57) between the testing orders. Notably, the distance walked in the hallway served as a strong predictor, explaining a substantial portion of the variation observed in the distance covered on the treadmill (R2 = 0.61, p < 0.01). Conclusion: Performance of the 2MWT overground and on a treadmill correlate highly in people with LBP. However, because participants walked 29% further in the hallway, treadmill walking is likely not an interchangeable alternative to testing when the aim is to evaluate performance.

Original languageEnglish
JournalEuropean Journal of Physiotherapy
Volume26
Issue number6
Pages (from-to)345-348
ISSN2167-9169
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Keywords

  • functional performance
  • Low back pain
  • physiotherapy
  • two-minute walk test
  • walk test

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