Objective: Determine the intrarater and interrater reliability of the three meter backward walk (3 MBW) test for individuals diagnosed with Parkinson Disease.
Background: Background- Parkinson Disease (PD) is a neurologic disease commonly resulting in postural instability and increased fall risk as the disease progresses. The 3 MBW test has been found to demonstrate improved diagnostic accuracy for falls in individuals post stroke.1 Currently, this is the only measure used to assess backwards walking, however the characteristics of this measure have not been established for individuals with PD.
Method: Methods- 18 participants diagnosed with PD (Hoehn & Yahr I-IV) mean age 72 years old (male=10, female=8) completed three trials of the 3 MBW test during one session. An average time of 3 MBW was calculated from the three trials. To determine intrarater reliability, the physical therapist that scored the initial trials reviewed video recordings a minimum of three days later and re-scored the trials. To determine interrater reliability an additional physical therapist observed the same video recording of the trials and scored the performance accordingly.
Results: The intrarater and interrater reliability ICC values were high and significant at p < .001. The intrarater reliability ICC = 0.95 range [0.86 – 0.98] and interrater reliability ICC = 0.95 range [0.85 – 0.98] (r=0.90-0.91, ICC 2,2= 0.95).
Conclusion: The 3 MBW test demonstrates excellent intrarater and interrater reliability while assessing backwards ambulation in individuals with PD. The 3 MBW test can be completed in people with PD across the stages of Hoehn & Yahr I-IV and may serve as a valuable assessment for backwards walking.
References: 1. DeMark LA, Fox EJ, Manes MR, Conroy C, Rose DK. The 3-Meter Backward Walk Test (3MBWT): Reliability and validity in individuals with subacute and chronic stroke [published online ahead of print, 2022 Jun 5]. Physiother Theory Pract. 2022;1-8. doi:10.1080/09593985.2022.2085638
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
A. Boddy, K. Barta, L. Perry, M. Flores, K. Sawyer, A. Campbell. Intrarater and interrater reliability of the 3 meter backward walk test in individuals with Parkinson disease. [abstract]. Mov Disord. 2023; 38 (suppl 1). https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/intrarater-and-interrater-reliability-of-the-3-meter-backward-walk-test-in-individuals-with-parkinson-disease/. Accessed June 14, 2025.« Back to 2023 International Congress
MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/intrarater-and-interrater-reliability-of-the-3-meter-backward-walk-test-in-individuals-with-parkinson-disease/