The modified total body rotation test: a rapid, reliable assessment of physical function in older adults.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a quick, modified measure of total body rotation with performance rankings for elderly persons and to highlight the importance of total body rotational ability for overall physical performance.


METHODS
Scores were collected during the same testing session and were compared with other measures using a Pearson correlation.


METHODS
Community-based senior centers.


METHODS
One hundred forty-five participants aged 79.6±7.2 were recruited using flyers distributed at health fairs, senior centers, and lifelong learning programs.


METHODS
The modified total body rotation test (MTBR), the back-scratch test, the modified sit-and-reach test, the 30-second chair-stand test, the Short Physical Performance Battery, and the short version of the Continuous-Scale Physical Functional Performance Test.


RESULTS
The MBTR significantly correlated to all standard measures of physical performance. Norms are reported for all participants, and reliability analyses were conducted using data from 18 participants. Data were divided into quintiles to create cutoffs for physical performance rankings that can be used when reporting results to the general public.


CONCLUSIONS
Many evaluations measure isolated components of physical performance, but few examine whole body movements that allow all components necessary for independence and function to work in harmony as needed considering the task and the individual's movement strategy. The current study offers the MTBR as a quick, easy, and cost-effective evaluation method to quantify the degree of impairment or injury and the rate of improvement with treatment or training.
Stanziano
Damian C
DC
Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, Florida, USA. damian.stanziano@va.gov
Signorile
Joseph F
JF
Mow
Sara
S
Davidson
Erin E
EE
Ouslander
Joseph G
JG
Roos
Bernard A
BA
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005431:Florida / Q000453:epidemiology; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology*; D012399:Rotation