Validity and Reliability of the 6-Minute Pegboard and Ring Test in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury

This study evaluated the validity and reliability of the 6-minute pegboard and ring test (6PBRT) in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Thirty-four individuals with SCI participated in this study. Upper limb function was assessed using the 6PBRT, alongside digital dynamometry for muscle strength (shoulder flexors, abductors, elbow extensors, flexors) and hand grip strength. Functional capacity was measured via the 20-meter propulsion test (MWPT20m) and modified functional reach test (mFRT). The 6PBRT demonstrated excellent test – retest reliability (ICC = 0.958) and reproducibility (Bland-Altman limits: 28.09 to −14.79 rings). Moderate correlations were observed with shoulder flexor (r = 0.538–0.560), shoulder abductor (r = 0.553–0.591), and elbow flexor (r = 0.65–0.661) strengths, and mFRT (r = 0.525). Strong correlations were found with hand grip strength (r = 0.702–0.705) and MWPT20m (r = −0.743). These findings confirm the 6PBRT as a valid, reproducible, and reliable instrument for assessing upper extremity function and exercise capacity in individuals with SCI.