Reliability and validity of active‐seated: An outcome in dystrophinopathy

Introduction Traditional upper extremity measures typically focus on distal abilities and do not quantify the unique progression of decline in dystrophinopathy. We designed ACTIVE-seated to meet this need. Our objective was to establish the tool's validity and reliability. Methods ACTIVE-seated uses the Microsoft Kinect gaming interface to quantify functional reaching ability while playing a custom-designed game. A skeletal tracking algorithm was used to determine the furthest arm excursion in all planes in 61 subjects with dystrophinopathy and 16 controls. Results Total reachable area was scaled based on arm length to standardize comparisons across subjects and accommodate growth. ACTIVE-seated discriminately ranked subjects from normal controls and by Brooke level (P < 0.001). Scores were highly correlated with parent reports of daily activities and mobility (P < 0.05). Test–retest reliability of ACTIVE-seated was excellent (ICC = 0.97, P < 0.0001). Conclusions Initial evaluation of reliability and validity suggests that ACTIVE-seated shows promise as a clinical and research outcome for individuals with dystrophinopathy. Muscle Nerve 52:356–362, 2015