title: The gallon-jug shelf-transfer test: an instrument to evaluate deteriorating function in older adults.
abstract: This study examined the validity, reliability, and discriminatory capacity of the gallon-jug shelf-transfer (GJST) test. Six hundred fifty-three independent-living older adults (463 women age 72.9 +/- 7.0 years, 190 men age 74.3 +/- 6.7 years) participated. Participants moved five 1-gallon jugs (approximately 3.9 kg) from a knee-high to a shoulder-high shelf as quickly as possible. The GJST showed an exponential performance decline with age, and there were significant correlations between the GJST and common functional tests (p<.001). High within-day and between-days reliability was detected. The test also detected differences resulting from training status (p<.01) and training protocols (p<.05). The GJST is a valid, reliable, inexpensive, safe, and easily administered clinical test for identifying physically vulnerable elders who could benefit from interventions such as exercise to improve their physical capacities and maintain independence.
authors: Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33124, USA.
authors: Joseph F
authors: JF
authors: Signorile
authors: David
authors: D
authors: Sandler
authors: Fangchao
authors: F
authors: Ma
authors: Steve
authors: S
authors: Bamel
authors: Damian
authors: D
authors: Stanziano
authors: Wes
authors: W
authors: Smith
authors: Lauran
authors: L
authors: Sandals
authors: Bernard A
authors: BA
authors: Roos
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013997:Time Factors