Construct validity and physical performance of older adults in different hierarchical physical-disability level.
The purpose of this study was to test the construct validity of the hierarchical levels of self-reported physical disability using health-related variables and physical-performance tests as criteria. The study participants were a community-based sample of 368 adults age 60 years or older. These older adults were grouped into 4 levels according to their physical-disability status (able, mildly disabled, moderately disabled, and severely disabled groups) based on their self-reported measures on the mobility, instrumented activity of daily living (IADL), and activities of daily living (ADL) domains. Health-related variables (body-mass index, number of comorbidities, depression status, mental status, and self-perceived health status) and eight performance-based tests demonstrated significant group differences. Self-reported measures of physical disability can be used to categorize older adults into different stages of physical functional decline.
Wang
Ching-Yi
CY
Department of Physical Therapy, Tzu-Chi College of Technology, Chian, Taiwan.
Sheu
Ching-Fan
CF
Protas
Elizabeth
E
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012649:Self Concept