High intra- and inter-rater chance variation of the movement assessment battery for children 2, ageband 2

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the intra- and inter-tester reliability of the movement assessment battery for children – second edition (MABC-2), ageband 2. We wanted to analyze the collected data, with adequate statistical methods, to provide relevant recommendations for physical therapists who are interpreting changes in the context of daily clinical practice. Forty-five healthy children, 23 girls and 22 boys with a mean age of 8.7 ± 0.7 years, participated in the study, the inter-tester procedures were performed the same day and the intra-tester procedures within a one to two week interval. The statistical methods used were intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and smallest detectable change (SDC).The children had no failed items during the tests. The ICC values ranged from 0.23 to 0.76. The items “treading lace” and “one-board balance” showed the highest measurement errors both for the intra- and inter-rater reliability. The SDC90% values were 9.7 and 18.5 for the intra- and inter-rater reliability, respectively. The present study showed high intra- and inter-rater chance variation MABC-2, ageband 2. A change of more than ±9.7 and ±18.5 on the total test score (TTS) should be required to state (with a 90% confidence) that a real change in a single individual has occurred, for intra- and inter-rater testing, respectively. These findings may indicate that the MABC-2 might be more suitable for diagnostic or clinical decision making purposes, than for evaluation of change over time.

► A change of 10 points is required to state a real change in a single individual.
► MABC-2, ageband 2, showed high intra- and inter-rater chance variation.
► MABC-2 is most suitable for diagnostic and decision making purposes.