With the continued population increase of adults aged 65 and older, it is imperative
to ensure that older adults are able to maintain their independence as long as possible.1 Maintenance of physical function is central to preserving independence for older
adults because declines in physical function result in the loss of mobility and activities
of daily living.1 Early detection of decline in physical function in older adults is critical and allows
for early interventions to improve function or prevent further decline.2 The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) is a clinician-rated physical performance
measure that evaluates physical function in older adults. This assessment consists
of 3 subscales: standing balance, gait, and rising from a chair.2 The assessment is scored on a 0-12 scale, with higher scores indicating better function.3 The SPPB does not require any formal training, is free to use, and requires only
a stopwatch and chair. Psychometric studies of the SPPB have demonstrated excellent
test-retest reliability,2., 4., 5., 6. predictive validity,7 and convergent validity with the Nagi Disability Scale.5 Information is available to support using the test results in clinical decision making
including cutoff scores, standard error of measurement, minimum detectable change
scores, and the minimum clinically important difference values.2., 3., 7.
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Article Info
Publication History
Published online: August 02, 2018
Footnotes
Highlights From the Rehabilitation Measures Database
This content is provided as a service by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and is not peer reviewed by the Archives.
