Continuous-scale physical functional performance test: validity, reliability, and sensitivity of data for the short version.
OBJECTIVE
The Continuous-Scale Physical Functional Performance Test (CS-PFP) can be used to obtain valid, reliable, and sensitive measurements of physical functional capacity. This test requires a fixed laboratory space and approximately 1 hour to administer. This study was carried out in 4 steps, or substudies, to develop and validate a short, community-based version (PFP-10) that requires less space and equipment than the CS-PFP.


METHODS
Retrospective data (n=228) and prospective data (n=91) on men and women performing the CS-PFP or the PFP-10 are reported. A 12-week exercise program was used to examine sensitivity to change. Data analyses were done using paired t-test, Pearson correlation, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and delta index (DI) procedures.


RESULTS
The PFP-10 total score and 4 of the 5 domain scores were statistically similar (within 3%) to those of the CS-PFP. The PFP-10 upper-body strength domain score was 17% lower, but was highly correlated (ICC=.97). Community and established laboratory PFP-10 scores were similar (ICC=.85-.97). The PFP-10 also is sensitive to change (DI=.21-.54).


CONCLUSIONS
The PFP-10 yields valid, reliable, and sensitive measurements and can be confidently substituted for the CS-PFP.
Cress
M Elaine
ME
Department of Exercise Science and The Gerontology Center, University of Georgia, 300 River Rd, Athens, GA 30602-6554, USA. mecress@coe.uga.edu
Petrella
John K
JK
Moore
Trudy L
TL
Schenkman
Margaret L
ML
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010809:Physical Fitness; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014481:United States