Physical Performance Measures for Characterizing High Functioning Older Persons

The goal of this study was to identify methods for characterizing high-functioning older adults living in the community. The subjects were 495 older adults from the Longitudinal Interdisciplinary Study on Aging conducted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology. Physical performance measures included grip strength, walking at preferred and maximum speeds, one-leg standing with eyes open, and finger tapping rate. Performance scores were created by summing each categorical score. Consistent differences were found among age groups and genders. Scores were lower in subjects who had stroke or diabetes than in those without these conditions. These results suggest that physical performance measures have both discriminant validity and construct validity, which make them useful methods for characterizing high-functioning older persons.

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The structure underlying physical performance measures for older adults in the community

Aging Clinical and Experimental Research ◽

10.1007/bf03324360 ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 7 (6) ◽

pp. 451-458 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

H. Nagasaki ◽

H. Itoh ◽

T. Furuna

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Physical Performance ◽

Performance Measures

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Meaningful Change and Responsiveness in Common Physical Performance Measures in Older Adults

Yearbook of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1016/s0162-0908(08)70221-6 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 2007 ◽

pp. 275-276

Author(s):

C.M. Jankowski

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Physical Performance ◽

Performance Measures ◽

Meaningful Change

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Detectable Changes in Physical Performance Measures in Elderly African Americans

Physical Therapy ◽

10.2522/ptj.20090363 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 90 (6) ◽

pp. 921-927 ◽

Cited By ~ 52

Author(s):

Kathleen Kline Mangione ◽

Rebecca L. Craik ◽

Alyson A. McCormick ◽

Heather L. Blevins ◽

Meaghan B. White ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

African American ◽

Physical Performance ◽

Performance Measures ◽

Gait Speed ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Assistive Device ◽

Minimal Detectable Change ◽

6Mwt Distance ◽

African American Older Adults

Background African American older adults have higher rates of self-reported disability and lower physical performance scores compared with white older adults. Measures of physical performance are used to predict future morbidity and to determine the effect of exercise. Characteristics of performance measures are not known for African American older adults. Objective The purpose of this study was to estimate the standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC) for the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Timed “Up & Go” Test (TUG) time, free gait speed, fast gait speed, and Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) distance in frail African American adults. Design This observational measurement study used a test-retest design. Methods Individuals were tested 2 times over a 1-week period. Demographic data collected included height, weight, number of medications, assistive device use, and Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) scores. Participants then completed the 5 physical performance tests. Results Fifty-two participants (mean age=78 years) completed the study. The average MMSE score was 25 points, and the average body mass index was 29.4 kg/m2. On average, participants took 7 medications, and the majority used assistive devices. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC [2,1]) were greater than .90, except for the SPPB score (ICC=.81). The SEMs were 1.2 points for the SPPB, 1.7 seconds for the TUG, 0.08 m/s for free gait speed, 0.09 m/s for fast gait speed, and 28 m for 6MWT distance. The MDC values were 2.9 points for the SPPB, 4 seconds for the TUG, 0.19 m/s for free gait speed, 0.21 m/s for fast gait speed, and 65 m for 6MWT distance. Limitations The entire sample was from an urban area. Conclusions The SEMs were similar to previously reported values and can be used when working with African American and white older adults. Estimates of MDC were calculated to assist in clinical interpretation.

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