Measuring balance, lower extremity strength and gait in the elderly: construct validation of an instrument

The purpose of the study was to determine the degree to which scores of a modified version of the 'Timed Get Up and Go' test (TGUG) were associated with other measures of functional performance. Thirty-seven community-dwelling older women (72.3+/-5.5 years) volunteered to participate. Subjects were assessed when performing the modified TGUG test. Correlations between the performance-oriented mobility assessment (POMA), single-leg balance, five chair rises, fast and normal gait speed, knee extension and flexion strength, and the modified TGUG were conducted. Total time to perform the modified TGUG test was significantly correlated with normal and fast gait speed (p<0.05). The Pearson correlation coefficients were -0.841 and -0.748, respectively. The time needed to perform several tasks of the modified TGUG test significantly correlated with five chair rises, and with right knee extensor strength (p<0.05). Points obtained in the assessment questionnaire correlated significantly to points obtained in the POMA scale (p<0.05). The Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.795. Based on the strength of the correlations obtained between components of the modified TGUG and the comparison tests, concurrent, criterion validity of the modified TGUG has been established.