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Reproducibility of physical performance and physiologic assessments
Fredric D Wolinsky1, Douglas K Miller, Elena M Andresen
1College of Public Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA. fredric-wolinsky@uiowa.edu
Journal of Aging and Health
|March 8, 2005
Summary
Physical performance tests show varied reliability for epidemiologic research. Physiologic measures, except blood pressure, demonstrate good test-retest stability in older African Americans.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Epidemiologic Research Methods
- Biometrics
Background:
- Epidemiologic studies rely on physical performance and physiologic assessments.
- Ensuring the reliability of these measures is crucial for accurate data collection.
- Test-retest stability is a key indicator of measurement reliability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the test-retest stability of various physical performance and physiologic assessments.
- To determine the reliability of specific measures used in aging and epidemiologic research.
- To identify potential areas for improvement in assessment protocols.
Main Methods:
- Eighty African American subjects aged 50-65 participated in test-retest assessments.
- Assessments were conducted 5 to 45 days apart.
- Measures included grip strength, chair stands, gait speed, balance tests, blood pressure, height, weight, body fat, and peak expiratory flow.
Main Results:
- High test-retest reliability (ICCs > .81) was found for grip strength and chair stands.
- Gait speed and balance measures showed moderate to low reliability (ICCs .27 to .60).
- Physiologic measures, excluding blood pressure, exhibited high reliability (ICCs > .89).
Conclusions:
- Grip strength and chair stands are reliable for epidemiologic studies.
- Gait speed and certain balance tests require further refinement for consistent measurement.
- Physiologic assessments are generally stable, but interviewer training may enhance specific balance test reproducibility.