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Physical Functioning Scale of the Short-Form (SF) 36: internal consistency and validity with older adults
Richard W Bohannon1, Louis DePasquale
1Department of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA. richard.bohannon@uconn.edu
Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy (2001)
|May 28, 2010
Summary
The Physical Functioning Scale (PFS) reliably measures physical function in older adults. It demonstrates validity in distinguishing fallers from non-fallers and correlates with physical performance tests.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Physical Therapy
- Health Outcomes Measurement
Background:
- Assessing physical functioning in older adults is crucial.
- The 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey's Physical Functioning Scale (PFS) is underutilized by therapists.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the reliability and validity of the PFS in older adults.
- Determine if PFS is a suitable tool for therapists to assess physical function in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Secondary analysis of existing data from 58 older adults (19 men, 39 women, aged 65-94).
- Data included PFS scores, physical performance measures, and fall history.
- Statistical analyses included Cronbach's alpha, ROC curve analysis, and Pearson correlations.
Main Results:
- PFS demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = .82).
- Significant differences in PFS scores between fallers and non-fallers (ROC AUC = 0.850).
- PFS showed strong convergent validity with single limb stance time, Timed Up and Go, and gait speed.
Conclusions:
- The PFS is a reliable and valid measure for assessing physical functioning in community-dwelling older adults.
- Its brevity and demonstrated psychometric properties support its use by physical therapists.
- Facilitates better characterization of physical function in the elderly population.
