CONTINUOUS-SCALE PHYSICAL FUNCTIONAL PERFORMANCE IN HEALTHY OLDER ADULTS - A VALIDATION-STUDY

Objective: The continuous-scale physical functional performance test ( CS-PFP) is an original instrument designed to provide a comprehensive, in-depth measure of physical function that reflects abilities in seve ral separate physical domains. It is based on a concept of physical fu nction as the integration of physiological capacity, physical performa nce, and psychosocial factors. Setting: The test was administered unde r standard conditions in a hospital facility with a neighborhood setti ng. The CS-PFP consists of a battery of 15 everyday tasks, ranging fro m easy to demanding, that sample the physical domains of upper and low er body strength, upper body flexibility, balance and coordination, an d endurance. Participants are told to work safely but at maximal effor t, and physical functional performance was measured as weight, time, o r distance. Scores were standardized and scaled 0 to 12. The test yiel ds a total score and separate physical domain scores. Design: The CS-P FP was evaluated using 148 older adults-78 community dwellers, 31 long -term care facility residents Living independently, and 39 residents w ith some dependence. Main Outcome Measures: Maximal physical performan ce assessment included measures of maximal oxygen consumption (Vo(2)ma x), isokinetic strength, range of motion, gait, and balance. Psychosoc ial factors were measured as self-defined health status using the Sick ness Impact Profile (SIP), self-perceived function using the Health Su rvey (SF36), and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL). Resul ts: IADL scores were not significantly different among the groups. Tes t-retest correlations ranged from .84 to .97 and inter-rater reliabili ty from .92 to .99 for the CS-PFP total and 5 domains. Internal consis tency was high (Cronbach's alpha, .74 to .97). Both total and individu al domain CS-PFP scores were significantly different for the three gro ups of study increasing with higher levels of independence, supporting construct validity. CS-PFP domain scores were significantly correlate d with measures of maximal physical performance (Vo(2)max, strength, e tc) and with physical but not emotional aspects of self-perceived func tion. Conclusions: The CS-PFP is a valid, reliable measure of physical function, applicable to a wide range of functional levels, and having minimal floor and ceiling effect. The total and physical domains may be used to evaluate, discriminate, and predict physical functional per formance for both research and clinical purposes. (C) 1996 by the Amer ican Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academy of P hysical Medicine and Rehabilitation participants.