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The physical functioning inventory: a procedure for assessing physical function in adults.

L M Whetstone1, J L Fozard, E J Metter

  • 1National Institute on Aging, Gerontology Research Center, Baltimore, MD.

Journal of Aging and Health
|January 30, 2002
PubMed
Summary
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The Physical Functioning Inventory reliably detects early disability by assessing changes in daily activities. This tool is effective for adults, even those who initially report no task difficulty.

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Rehabilitation Medicine
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Assessing functional changes is crucial for aging populations.
  • Existing measures may not capture subtle declines in activity.
  • Early detection of disability aids timely interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the Physical Functioning Inventory (PFI).
  • To evaluate the reliability and effectiveness of the PFI in adults.
  • To assess the PFI's ability to detect early stages of functional decline.

Main Methods:

  • The PFI was administered to active and inactive participants in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA).
  • Interrater and test-retest reliability were assessed.
  • Data were collected through direct assessment and telephone interviews.

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Main Results:

  • The PFI demonstrated good interrater and test-retest reliability (63%-100% agreement).
  • The PFI identified changes in activity frequency even in individuals reporting no difficulty.
  • The instrument effectively detects early disability in activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, and mobility.

Conclusions:

  • The Physical Functioning Inventory is a reliable and effective tool for assessing functional changes in adults.
  • The PFI can identify early signs of disability, enabling proactive health management.
  • The instrument shows limitations in assessing strenuous physical activities.