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Screening for mobility disorders by the Mobility Control subscale of the short version of the Sickness Impact Profile
J M Jannink-Nijlant1, J P Diederiks, M A Brouwers
1Rehabilitation Centre Hoensbroeck, The Netherlands.
Objective:
To test the usefulness of the Mobility Control subscale (MC scale) of the short version of the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP68) as a simple self-administered questionnaire for screening mobility disorders in a population of independent living elderly.
Design:
The SIP68-MC scale was compared with the results of one functional test as independent criteria.
Subjects And Setting:
A group of 81 people of 70 years and older was selected from a potential population of over 200 people. All were independent living elderly persons selected from a general practice.
Interventions:
The short version of the Sickness Impact Profile and questions about falling last year were applied. Three functional tests were carried out: walking 10 metres, get up and sit down in a chair five times and a test for standing balance. A trained observer rated all tests.
Results:
It is shown that the sensitivity of the MC scale (cut-off point: 1) with the total functional score is 91%, with a relative low specificity (59%). The relationship between the SIP-MC score and falling frequency is significant when there is a falling frequency equal to or more than two times a year.
Conclusion:
It is concluded that the MC scale is a useful test for screening mobility disorders in the elderly.
Insights
The Mobility Control (MC) scale effectively screens elderly individuals for mobility disorders. This simple questionnaire shows high sensitivity in identifying potential issues in independent living seniors.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Mobility disorders are a significant concern in the elderly population.
- Early screening is crucial for timely intervention and maintaining independence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the Mobility Control (MC) subscale of the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP68) for screening mobility disorders.
- To assess its utility as a self-administered tool for independent-living elderly individuals.
Main Methods:
- Compared the SIP68-MC scale against functional tests in 81 independent-living elderly individuals (≥70 years).
- Functional tests included walking, chair stands, and balance tests, rated by a trained observer.
- Assessed sensitivity and specificity of the MC scale.
Main Results:
- The MC scale demonstrated high sensitivity (91%) for detecting mobility disorders.
- Specificity was relatively low (59%).
- A significant correlation was found between MC scale scores and a fall frequency of two or more times per year.
Conclusions:
- The MC scale is a valuable tool for screening mobility disorders in the elderly.
- Its ease of use makes it suitable for self-administration in community-dwelling older adults.