Knee osteoarthritis and minimal important change for the nine-step stair climb test.

The adjusted MIC for improvement on the nine-step stair climb test in knee OA patients was 2.2 seconds.

• 95% CI: 1.5 to 3.0 seconds
• MIC was estimated using predictive modelling (adjusted MIC estimate)
• The MIC was calculated from a secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial (NCT03215602)
• The anchor used was the seven-point Global Perceived Effect Score (GPE) measuring self-reported experience of change in the patient's knee problem at 12 weeks

The mean baseline stair climb test time was 12.6 seconds with a mean improvement of 2.6 seconds at 12 weeks.

• Mean SCT time at baseline was 12.6 (± 5.5) seconds
• Mean change in SCT at 12 weeks was 2.6 (± 3.3) seconds
• 90 patients were included at baseline; 72 had complete follow-up data
• Patients were knee OA patients not eligible for knee arthroplasty

Knee OA patients were randomised to a 12-week neuromuscular exercise intervention with or without additional low-dose strength training.

• This was a secondary analysis from a previously reported randomised controlled trial
• SCT data were collected at baseline and after 12 weeks
• The trial is registered as NCT03215602
• 72 of 90 enrolled patients had complete follow-up data

The 2.2-second MIC value represents the first established indicator of minimal clinically important improvement for the nine-step SCT in knee OA.

• The MIC of the nine-step SCT for patients with knee OA had not previously been established
• Authors described it as 'a first indicator of the magnitude of minimal improvement that the average patient would find important'
• Stair-climbing tests assess stair negotiation ability in knee osteoarthritis populations