Identifying reliable, valid and feasible outcome measures for adults aged 50 years or older with hip or knee...

To identify reliable, valid, and feasible outcome measures that could be used to assess outcomes of participating in supervised exercise programs for adults aged 50 years or older with hip or knee osteoarthritis (OA).

A scoping review was conducted in accordance with Joanna Briggs Institute and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Six databases were searched on July 18, 2024. Eligible studies were systematic, literature, or integrative reviews evaluating at least one psychometric property (reliability, validity, or feasibility) of outcome measures for adults aged ≥50 years with hip or knee OA, including those awaiting or having undergone total joint arthroplasty.

Sixteen reviews were included, identifying 102 outcome measures (35 self-report, 67 performance-based). Nine reviews used the COSMIN methodology, while others applied alternative or narrative frameworks. Commonly supported measures included the WOMAC, KOOS, HOOS, LEFS, 6-Minute Walk Test, 40-m fast-paced walk, and Timed Up and Go, which showed strong reliability (ICC ≥0.80) and construct validity. Feasibility was discussed narratively in 13 reviews; none used formal criteria. Only three mentioned exercise, and none evaluated measures in supervised programs.

Multiple outcome measures demonstrated acceptable reliability and validity for adults with hip or knee OA, but feasibility data were limited, and no tools were validated in the context of supervised exercise. Consequently, no measure fulfilled all three psychometric criteria for this setting. Future research should include structured feasibility assessments and evaluate measures within exercise-based interventions.