Psychometric Properties of the 4-Metre Walk Test in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging

This study assessed the construct validity, predictive validity, and responsiveness of the 4-metre walk test (4MWT) in community-dwelling older Canadians.

Baseline and 3-year follow-up data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging were examined, including participants ≥ 65 years with 4MWT assessments. Secondary outcomes included physical and self-report measures and healthcare utilization (e.g., hospitalization and emergency department visits).

Baseline data on 12,433 and follow-up data on 10,107 participants were analysed. For construct validity, low-to-high correlations with the comparator measures (rho = 0.25 [with the Life Space Assessment] to 0.72 [with the Timed-Up and Go]) and known-groups differences of 0.15 m/s (assistive device use) and 0.04 m/s (falls) were found. For predictive validity, areas under the curve ranged from 0.51 to 0.59 for healthcare utilization, indicating poor prediction. For responsiveness, low-to-moderate correlations between change scores were found (rho = 0.01-0.44).

Findings demonstrated partial support for construct validity and responsiveness and no support for predictive validity.