Test–retest reliability of pulse wave velocity in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2012 · DOI: 10.1179/2045772312Y.0000000042 · Published: January 1, 2012

Spinal Cord Injury Cardiovascular Science

Simple Explanation

Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a measure of arterial stiffness, which is an indicator of coronary artery disease risk. This study investigates how reliable PWV measurements are when taken on different days in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). The study also determines the smallest real difference (SRD) needed to consider a change in PWV as a true change rather than a measurement error.

Study Duration

Within a 2-week period

Participants

20 (19 men and 1 woman) with SCI

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Aortic and leg PWV measurements showed high test–retest reliability in individuals with chronic SCI.
2
Arm PWV measurements had moderate test–retest reliability.
3
The study determined the SRD for aortic, leg, and arm PWV, indicating the threshold for real changes in health status.

Research Summary

The study evaluated the test–retest reliability of aortic PWV, leg PWV and arm PWV in people with chronic SCI. Aortic PWV and leg PWV had almost perfect test–retest reliability. The test–retest reliability of PWV assessment is high among patients with chronic SCI.

Practical Implications

Clinical Practice

PWV can be used as a repeatable index of arterial stiffness in individuals with chronic SCI, provided assessments are done under controlled conditions.

Research

Further research is needed to examine the relationship between PWV and cardiovascular disease in people with SCI.

Future Studies

Future studies should verify the psychometric properties of PWV in a larger more representative sample of individuals with SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The sample size included only one woman.
2
The exact relationship between PWV and cardiovascular disease among people with SCI is still unknown.
3
Test–retest reliability for the arm PWV was statistically significant (ICC = 0.589, P < 0.03) but lower than aortic and leg PWV.

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