Reliability for running tests for measuring agility and anaerobic muscle power in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy.

PURPOSE We investigated reliability, construct validity, and feasibility of two sprint tests for children with cerebral palsy (CP). METHODS Twenty-six children with CP participated (7-18 years of age; Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS] level I or II). On different occasions, the 10 x 5-Meter Sprint Test and the Muscle Power Sprint Test were scored by different assessors. RESULTS Excellent interobserver reliability (intraclass correlation [ICC] = 1.0 and ICC >or= 0.97) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.97 and ICC >or= 0.97) were obtained. Scores differed significantly on both sprint tests for children classified at GMFCS level I and level II. Mean scores for feasibility ranged from 8.8 to 9.2 on a 10-cm visual analog scale (10 = the best). CONCLUSIONS Both exercise tests are reliable and have good feasibility for children and adolescents with CP (GMFCS level I or II). Construct validity is supported for both sprint tests in children classified at GMFCS level I and level II.