Propriedades de medida, valores normativos e equação de referência para o Teste da Ponte no Leito

Abstract

Introduction: Functional mobility tests, such as the Sit-to-Stand Test or the 6-Minute Walk Test, are not feasible for bedridden patients. The Bed Bridge Test (BBT) was developed to assess exercise capacity in this population. However, it is still necessary to establish normative values to interpret the results and to test the measurement properties of this tool for proper functional performance assessment. Objectives: To test the measurement properties, establish normative values, and reference equations, as well as to assess the reliability of the four versions of the BBT: five-repetition BBT (BBT5R), ten-repetition BBT (BBT10R), thirty-second BBT (BBT30s), and sixty-second BBT (BBT60s). Methods: One hundred and twenty healthy volunteers, of both sexes, aged 18 to 79 years, performed each of the four versions of the BBT randomly. After thirty minutes, a retest was conducted. Reliability and reproducibility were assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement, and minimal detectable difference, as well as the verification of floor and ceiling effects. Normative values were established by age group and sex. Reference equations for each test were obtained through linear regression analysis, considering performance in the tests as the dependent variable and potential predictors as independent variables. Results: Participants were similarly distributed by age group (50% male; 49.5 [33.0–65.0] years; BMI: 26.26 [23.5–29.3] kg/m²). All versions of the BBT showed high reliability (ICC: 0.88 to 0.95), good agreement, and no floor or ceiling effects (<10%). Normative values with normal limits were defined for each version of the BBT. Regression models determined that sex and age explained 29% to 46% of the variability in the results. Conclusion: Normative values and reference equations for adult individuals of both sexes were established for the four versions of the BBT. These results provide parameters for researchers and clinicians in quantifying and interpreting functional capacity. The BBT proved to be a reliable, reproducible test, which can be applied in various clinical and research contexts.