Reliability of stair-climbing speed in two cohorts of older adults

Background/Aims The ability to climb stairs is an important prerequisite for activities of daily living and social participation in older adults, and is therefore an important part of rehabilitation. However, there is no consensus on how to measure stair-climbing ability. The aim of this study was to investigate the test–retest reliability of the measurement of stair-climbing speed (steps per second) as a parameter for functional ability in older adults. Methods A total of 57 participants who were in hospital and 56 participants who were community-dwelling and did not have any limitations in activities in daily living, all aged 60 years and over, ascended and descended a set of 13 stairs twice. The halfway point of the staircase was marked in order to split the time required for both the ascending and the descending actions. Additional measurements consisted of the Functional Reach Test, the Timed Up and Go Test, walking ability using the GAITRite walkway system and the isometric strength of four muscle groups of the lower extremities using a handheld dynamometer. Results Test–retest reliability of the first and second half of the stair-climbing for both ascending and descending showed excellent results for the group of hospitalised participants (intraclass correlation coefficient, [ICC] 0.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.79–0.93 to 0.94, 95% CI 0.9 – 0.97 for comparison of first vs second half of stair climbing; ICC 0.9, 95% CI 0.83-0.94 to ICC 0.95, 95% CI 0.92–0.97 for comparing first vs second measurement)) and moderate to excellent results for the group of community-dwelling participants with no limitations (ICC 0.58, 95% CI 0.37–0.73 to ICC 0.76, 95% 95% CI 0.63-0.85 for comparison of first vs second half of stair climbing; ICC 0.82, 95% CI 0.71-0.89 to 0.92, 95% CI 0.87–0.95 for comparing first vs second measurement). As expected, hospitalised participants took significantly longer descending than ascending stairs (t(56)=6.98, P<0.001, d=0.93). A general and significant trend of increasing speed while descending could be observed in both groups (performing paired sample t-tests). Conclusions The results indicate that stair-climbing speed is not constant and that different patterns exist in older adults who have no limitations and in those who are hospitalised. The use of stair-climbing speed as an assessment tool should include both stair ascent and descent, because differences in these speeds seem to be indicators of stair-climbing ability.

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The Modified Gait Efficacy Scale: Establishing the Psychometric Properties in Older Adults

Physical Therapy ◽

10.2522/ptj.20110053 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 92 (2) ◽

pp. 318-328 ◽

Cited By ~ 41

Author(s):

Alaina M. Newell ◽

Jessie M. VanSwearingen ◽

Elizabeth Hile ◽

Jennifer S. Brach

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Correlation Coefficient ◽

Internal Consistency ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Self Report ◽

Retest Reliability ◽

And Performance ◽

Test Retest Reliability ◽

Community Dwelling Older Adults

BackgroundPerceived ability or confidence plays an important role in determining function and behavior. The modified Gait Efficacy Scale (mGES) is a 10-item self-report measure used to assess walking confidence under challenging everyday circumstances.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine the reliability, internal consistency, and validity of the mGES as a measure of gait in older adults.DesignThis was a cross-sectional study.MethodsParticipants were 102 community-dwelling older adults (mean [±SD] age=78.6±6.1 years) who were independent in ambulation with or without an assistive device. Participants were assessed using the mGES and measures of confidence and fear, measures of function and disability, and performance-based measures of mobility. In a subsample (n=26), the mGES was administered twice within a 1-month period to establish test-retest reliability through the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC [2,1]). The standard error of measure (SEM) was determined from the ICC and standard deviation. The Cronbach α value was calculated to determine internal consistency. To establish the validity of the mGES, the Spearman rank order correlation coefficient was used to examine the association with measures of confidence, fear, gait, and physical function and disability.ResultsThe mGES demonstrated test-retest reliability within the 1-month period (ICC=.93, 95% confidence interval=.85, .97). The SEM of the mGES was 5.23. The mGES was internally consistent across the 10 items (Cronbach α=.94). The mGES was related to measures of confidence and fear (r=.54–.88), function and disability (Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument, r=.32–.88), and performance-based mobility (r=.38–.64).LimitationsThis study examined only community-dwelling older adults. The results, therefore, should not be generalized to other patient populations.ConclusionThe mGES is a reliable and valid measure of confidence in walking among community-dwelling older adults.

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Reliability and Validity of Turkish Myasthenia Gravis-Activities of Daily Living Scale

OTJR Occupation Participation and Health ◽

10.1177/1539449220961077 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 153944922096107

Author(s):

Ecem Karanfil ◽

Yeliz Salcı ◽

Ayla Fil-Balkan ◽

Can Ebru Bekircan-Kurt ◽

Sevim Erdem Özdamar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Construct Validity ◽

Myasthenia Gravis ◽

Activities Of Daily Living ◽

Daily Living ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Reliability And Validity ◽

Life Questionnaire ◽

Good Test ◽

Retest Reliability ◽

Test Retest Reliability

Linguistic, reliable, and valid secondary efficacy measures are important in clinical settings and studies. The aim of the study is to report test–retest reliability and construct validity of Turkish version of Myasthenia Gravis-Activities of Daily Living Scale (MG-ADL-T) in Myasthenia Gravis (MG) patients. Fifty-two ocular and generalized individuals with MG, applying to rehabilitation center, were included in the study. MG-ADL-T, MG quality-of-life questionnaire (MG-QoL), MG composite (MGC), quantitative MG score (QMGS), and pulmonary function test were administered. Reliability was assessed with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Cronbach’s alpha. Spearman correlation test and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were performed for construct validity. MG-ADL-T had fair internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = .67), excellent test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.96) and moderate construct validity (MG-QoL, r = 0.59; QMGS, r = .58; MGC, r = .68). MG-ADL, a unique scale that evaluates activities of daily living (ADL), has good test–retest reliability and construct validity in Turkish MG patients.

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Reliability and Validity of Force Platform Measures of Balance Impairment in Individuals With Parkinson Disease

Physical Therapy ◽

10.2522/ptj.20160099 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 96 (12) ◽

pp. 1955-1964 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Cathy C. Harro ◽

Alicia Marquis ◽

Natasha Piper ◽

Chris Burdis

Keyword(s):

Parkinson Disease ◽

Disease Severity ◽

Fall Risk ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Force Platform ◽

Minimal Detectable Change ◽

Retest Reliability ◽

Balance Impairment ◽

Test Retest Reliability

Abstract Background Complex movement and balance impairments in people with Parkinson disease (PD) contribute to high fall risk. Comprehensive balance assessment is warranted to identify intrinsic fall risk factors and direct interventions. Objective The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of 3 balance measures of a force platform (FP) system in people with PD. Methods Forty-two community-dwelling individuals with idiopathic PD completed the testing protocol. Test-retest reliability was assessed for the Limits of Stability Test (LOS), Motor Control Test (MCT), and Sensory Organization Test (SOT). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC [2,1]) were calculated to determine test-retest reliability and minimal detectable change. Validity was assessed by comparing the FP measures with criterion gait and balance measures using Pearson product moment correlations. Multiple regression analyses examined the contribution of PD characteristics to FP measures. Results All primary FP variables demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability (ICC=.78–.92). The SOT and LOS demonstrated fair to good correlations with criterion measures, whereas the MCT had fair correlations to balance measures only. Both SOT composite equilibrium and MCT average latency were moderately associated with disease severity. Limitations This study's sample had a relatively small number of participants with a positive fall history, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Conclusions This study's findings provide support that FP measures are reliable and valid tests of balance impairment in people with PD. Disease severity was significantly associated with SOT and MCT measures, perhaps reflecting that these tests are meaningful indicators of decline in postural control with disease progression. Force platform measures may provide valuable quantitative information about underlying balance impairments in people with PD to guide therapeutic interventions for fall risk reduction.

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The Inventory of Physical Activity Barriers for Adults 50 Years and Older: Refinement and Validation

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.2889 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 789-789

Author(s):

Mariana Wingood ◽

Salene Jones ◽

Nancy Gell ◽

Denise Peters ◽

Jennifer Brach

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Factor Analysis ◽

Correlation Coefficient ◽

Intraclass Correlation Coefficient ◽

Assessment Tool ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Retest Reliability ◽

Test Retest Reliability

Abstract Addressing physical activity (PA) barriers is an essential component of increasing PA among the 56-73% of community-dwelling adults 50 years and older who are not performing the recommended 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous PA. As there is no feasible, multi-factorial tool to assess PA barriers among this population, we developed and validated a PA barrier assessment tool called the Inventory of Physical Activity Barriers (IPAB). We collected cross-sectional data on 503 adults (mean age 70.1), with 79 participants completing the scale twice for test-retest reliability and 64 completing a cross-over design examining the ability to use two administration formats interchangeably. Our analyses consisted of exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, Cronbach alpha, intraclass correlation coefficient, Bland-Altman Plot, and t-tests. Using factor analysis, we identified and confirmed an eight-factor solution consisting of 27 items. The 27-item IPAB is internally consistent (alpha= 0.91), has a high test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.99), and can differentiate between individuals who meet the recommended levels of PA and those who do not (p < 0.001). The IPAB scores ranged between 1.00-3.11 for the paper format (mean=1.78) and 1.07-3.48 for the electronic format (mean=1.78), with no statistical difference between the paper and electronic administration formats (p=0.94), resulting in the conclusion that the two administration formats can be used interchangeably. Participant feedback illustrates that the IPAB is easy to use, has clear instruction, and is an appropriate length. The newly validated IPAB scale can be used to develop individualized PA interventions that address PA barriers among patients 50 years and older.

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The Phone-FITT: A Brief Physical Activity Interview for Older Adults

Journal of Aging and Physical Activity ◽

10.1123/japa.16.3.292 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 16 (3) ◽

pp. 292-315 ◽

Cited By ~ 40

Author(s):

Dawn P. Gill ◽

Gareth R. Jones ◽

GuangYong Zou ◽

Mark Speechley

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Reliability And Validity ◽

Step Test ◽

Exercise Programs ◽

Perfect Agreement ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Retest Reliability ◽

Test Retest Reliability

The purpose of this study was to develop a brief physical activity interview for older adults (Phone-FITT) and evaluate its test–retest reliability and validity. Summary scores were derived for household, recreational, and total PA. Reliability was evaluated in a convenience sample from a fall-prevention study (N= 43, 79.4 ± 2.9 years, 51% male), and validity, in a random sample of individuals in older adult exercise programs (N= 48, 77.4 ± 4.7 years, 25% male). Mean time to complete the Phone-FITT was 10 min for participants sampled from exercise programs. Evaluation of test–retest reliability indicated substantial to almost perfect agreement for all scores, with intraclass correlation coefficients (95% confidence intervals) ranging from .74 (.58–.85) to .88 (.8–.94). For validity, Spearman’s rho correlations of Phone-FITT scores with accelerometer counts ranged from .29 (.01–.53) to .57 (.34–.73). Correlations of Phone-FITT recreational scores with age and seconds to complete a self-paced step test ranged from –.29 (–.53 to –.01) to –.45 (–.68 to –.14). This study contributes preliminary evidence of the reliability and validity of the Phone-FITT.

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Reliability and Validity of 2 Self-Report Measures to Assess Sedentary Behavior in Older Adults

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.2013-0546 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 12 (5) ◽

pp. 727-732 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

Keith P. Gennuso ◽

Charles E. Matthews ◽

Lisa H. Colbert

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Sedentary Behavior ◽

Linear Trend ◽

Pearson Correlation ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Reliability And Validity ◽

Self Report ◽

Retest Reliability ◽

Test Retest Reliability

Background:The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability and validity of 2 currently available physical activity surveys for assessing time spent in sedentary behavior (SB) in older adults.Methods:Fifty-eight adults (≥65 years) completed the Yale Physical Activity Survey for Older Adults (YPAS) and Community Health Activities Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS) before and after a 10-day period during which they wore an ActiGraph accelerometer (ACC). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) examined test-retest reliability. Overall percent agreement and a kappa statistic examined YPAS validity. Lin’s concordance correlation, Pearson correlation, and Bland-Altman analysis examined CHAMPS validity.Results:Both surveys had moderate test-retest reliability (ICC: YPAS = 0.59 (P < .001), CHAMPS = 0.64 (P < .001)) and significantly underestimated SB time. Agreement between YPAS and ACC was low (κ = −0.0003); however, there was a linear increase (P < .01) in ACC-derived SB time across YPAS response categories. There was poor agreement between ACC-derived SB and CHAMPS (Lin’s r = .005; 95% CI, −0.010 to 0.020), and no linear trend across CHAMPS quartiles (P = .53).Conclusions:Neither of the surveys should be used as the sole measure of SB in a study; though the YPAS has the ability to rank individuals, providing it with some merit for use in correlational SB research.

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Reliability and Validity of Responses to Submaximal All-Extremity Semirecumbent Exercise in Older Adults

Journal of Aging and Physical Activity ◽

10.1123/japa.15.2.184 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 15 (2) ◽

pp. 184-194 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Marissa E. Mendelsohn ◽

Denise M. Connelly ◽

Tom J. Overend ◽

Robert J. Petrella

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Reliability And Validity ◽

Submaximal Exercise ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Clinical Settings ◽

Retest Reliability ◽

Exercise Mode ◽

Three Stages ◽

Test Retest Reliability ◽

Community Dwelling Older Adults

Although popular in clinical settings, little is known about the utility of all-extremity semirecumbent exercise machines for research. Twenty-one community-dwelling older adults performed two exercise trials (three 4-min stages at increasing workloads) to evaluate the reliability and validity of exercise responses to submaximal all-extremity semirecumbent exercise (BioStep). Exercise responses were measured directly (Cosmed K4b2) and indirectly through software on the BioStep. Test–retest reliability (ICC2,1) was moderate to high across all three stages for directly measured METs (.92, .87, and .88) and HR (.91, .83, and .86). Concurrent criterion validity between the K4b2and BioStep MET values was moderate to very good across the three stages on both Day 1 (r= .86, .71, and .83) and Day 2 (r= .73, .87, and .72). All-extremity semirecumbent submaximal exercise elicited reliable and valid responses in our sample of older adults and thus can be considered a viable exercise mode.

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A new measure of fear of falling: psychometric properties of the fear of falling questionnaire revised (FFQ-R)

International Psychogeriatrics ◽

10.1017/s1041610214001434 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 27 (7) ◽

pp. 1121-1133 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Emily S. Bower ◽

Julie Loebach Wetherell ◽

C. Caroline Merz ◽

Andrew J. Petkus ◽

Vanessa L. Malcarne ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Hip Fracture ◽

Psychometric Properties ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Fear Of Falling ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Self Report ◽

Fracture Group ◽

Retest Reliability ◽

Test Retest Reliability

ABSTRACTBackground:Although fear of falling is prevalent among older adults recovering from hip fracture, current instruments are inadequate due to focus on specific situations and measurement of self-efficacy rather than fear.Methods:The authors revised and tested a form of the Fear of Falling Questionnaire with three groups of older adults: 405 recovering from hip fracture, 89 healthy community dwelling, and 42 with severe fear of falling. Test-retest reliability was evaluated in a subsample of 16 hip fracture patients. Internal consistency was compared across all groups. Construct validity was established through factor analysis, convergent validity with a measure of fall-related self-efficacy, and discriminant validity with measures of depression and affect.Results:A revised two-factor, six-item scale appears to have adequate psychometric properties. Scores were lower in the healthy comparison group relative to the hip fracture and fear of falling groups. Cronbach's α ranged from 0.72–0.83, with test-retest reliability of 0.82. Correlations with a measure of fall-related self-efficacy were moderate for the hip fracture group (0.42) and high with the healthy comparison (0.68) and fear of falling (0.70) groups. Correlations with depression and negative and positive affect were low to moderate.Conclusions:The Fear of Falling Questionnaire – Revised shows promise as a self-report measure of fear of falling, and is one of the first to be tested in older adults recovering from hip fracture. Advantages are that it is global rather than situation-specific and measures fear rather than self-efficacy. Future research on this scale is recommended in other older adult samples for whom fear of falling is relevant.

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Reliability of Measures of N1 Peak Amplitude of the Compound Action Potential in Younger and Older Adults

Journal of Speech Language and Hearing Research ◽

10.1044/2018_jslhr-h-18-0097 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 61 (9) ◽

pp. 2422-2430 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Carolyn M. McClaskey ◽

James W. Dias ◽

Judy R. Dubno ◽

Kelly C. Harris

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Action Potential ◽

Correlation Coefficient ◽

Intraclass Correlation Coefficient ◽

Measurement Techniques ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Compound Action Potential ◽

Retest Reliability ◽

Test Retest Reliability ◽

Compound Action

Purpose Human auditory nerve (AN) activity estimated from the amplitude of the first prominent negative peak (N1) of the compound action potential (CAP) is typically quantified using either a peak-to-peak measurement or a baseline-corrected measurement. However, the reliability of these 2 common measurement techniques has not been evaluated but is often assumed to be relatively poor, especially for older adults. To address this question, the current study (a) compared test–retest reliability of these 2 methods and (b) tested the extent to which measurement type affected the relationship between N1 amplitude and experimental factors related to the stimulus (higher and lower intensity levels) and participants (younger and older adults). Method Click-evoked CAPs were recorded in 24 younger (aged 18–30 years) and 20 older (aged 55–85 years) adults with clinically normal audiograms up to 3000 Hz. N1 peak amplitudes were estimated from peak-to-peak measurements (from N1 to P1) and baseline-corrected measurements for 2 stimulus levels (80 and 110 dB pSPL). Baseline-corrected measurements were made with 4 baseline windows. Each stimulus level was presented twice, and test–retest reliability of these 2 measures was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient. Linear mixed models were used to evaluate the extent to which age group and click level uniquely predicted N1 amplitude and whether the predictive relationships differed between N1 measurement techniques. Results Both peak-to-peak and baseline-corrected measurements of N1 amplitude were found to have good-to-excellent reliability, with intraclass correlation coefficient values > 0.60. As expected, N1 amplitudes were significantly larger for younger participants compared with older participants for both measurement types and were significantly larger in response to clicks presented at 110 dB pSPL than at 80 dB pSPL for both measurement types. Furthermore, the choice of baseline window had no significant effect on N1 amplitudes using the baseline-corrected method. Conclusions Our results suggest that measurements of AN activity can be robustly and reliably recorded in both younger and older adults using either peak-to-peak or baseline-corrected measurements of the N1 of the CAP. Peak-to-peak measurements yield larger N1 response amplitudes and are the default measurement type for many clinical systems, whereas baseline-corrected measurements are computationally simpler. Furthermore, the relationships between AN activity and stimulus- and participant-related variables were not affected by measurement technique, which suggests that these relationships can be compared across studies using different techniques for measuring the CAP N1.

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Is Wrist Accelerometry Suitable for Threshold Scoring? A Comparison of Hip-Worn and Wrist-Worn ActiGraph Data in Low-Active Older Adults with Obesity

The Journals of Gerontology Series A ◽

10.1093/gerona/glab347 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jason Fanning ◽

Michael E Miller ◽

Shyh-Huei Chen ◽

Carlo Davids ◽

Kyle Kershner ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Activities Of Daily Living ◽

Daily Living ◽

Objective Assessment ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Stair Climbing ◽

Accelerometer Data ◽

Fast Walking ◽

Community Dwelling Older Adults ◽

Monitor Data

Abstract Background Hip- and wrist-worn ActiGraph accelerometers are widely used in research on physical activity as they offer an objective assessment of movement intensity across the day. Herein we characterize and contrast key structured physical activities and common activities of daily living via accelerometry data collected at the hip and wrist from a sample of community-dwelling older adults. Methods Low-active, older adults with obesity (age 60+ years) were fit with an ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer on their non-dominant wrist and hip before completing a series of tasks in a randomized order, including sitting/standing, sweeping, folding laundry, stair climbing, ambulation at different intensities, and cycling at different intensities. Participants returned a week later and complete the tasks once again. Vector magnitude counts/second were time-matched during each task and then summarized into counts/minute (CPM). Results Monitors at both wear locations similarly characterized standing, sitting, and ambulatory tasks. A key finding was that light home chores (sweeping, folding laundry) produced higher and more variable CPM values than fast walking via wrist ActiGraph. Regression analyses revealed wrist CPM values were poor predictors of hip CPM values, with devices aligning best during fast walking (R 2=.25) and stair climbing (R 2=.35). Conclusion As older adults spend a considerable portion of their day in non-exercise activities of daily living, researchers should be cautious in the use of simply acceleration thresholds for scoring wrist-worn accelerometer data. Methods for better classifying wrist-worn activity monitor data in older adults are needed.

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