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Construct validation and the Rasch model: functional ability of healthy elderly people
K Avlund1, S Kreiner, K Schultz-Larsen
1Institute of Social Medicine, University of Copenhagen.
Scandinavian Journal of Social Medicine
|December 1, 1993
Summary
This study validated a new functional ability measure for healthy seniors. The measure identified six dimensions of functional ability, including mobility, lower limb, and upper limb function, affected by tiredness or reduced speed.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Assessing functional ability in elderly populations is crucial for maintaining independence and quality of life.
- Existing measures may not adequately capture the nuances of functional capacity in healthy older adults.
- A validated, discriminating measure is needed to understand age-related changes in function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the construct validity of a novel functional ability measure.
- To ensure the measure has high variability and discriminative capacity in healthy 70-year-old individuals.
- To refine assessment tools for elderly functional capacity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Rasch model for item analysis to test construct validity.
- Collected data from 734 healthy 70-year-olds in Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Employed traditional activities of daily living and a specialized classification system.
Main Results:
- The functional ability measure demonstrated construct validity.
- Identified six distinct dimensions of functional ability: mobility, lower limb, and upper limb function.
- Decreased functional ability was associated with tiredness and reduced speed across these dimensions.
Conclusions:
- The developed measure effectively assesses functional ability in healthy elderly individuals.
- The measure's six dimensions provide a nuanced understanding of mobility and limb function.
- Tiredness and reduced speed are key factors impacting functional decline in this age group.