Article

Functional limitations have been operationally defined for studies of
rehabilitation science through measures of physical performance and
patient-reported function. Although conceived as representing similar concepts,
differences between these 2 modes of measuring physical functioning have not been
adequately characterized scientifically. The purpose of this study was
to compare the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) with the function
component of the Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument (LLFDI) with
respect to their association with physiologic factors and other psychosocial and
health factors potentially influencing rehabilitative care. DESIGN: This study
was a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from a sample of
community-dwelling older adults (N=137) with mobility limitations enrolled in a
randomized controlled trial of exercise. METHODS: A performance-based measure of
function (the SPPB) and a self-report measure of function (the LLFDI) served as
functional outcomes. Physiologic factors included measures of leg strength, leg
velocity, and exercise tolerance test (ETT) duration, which served as a surrogate
measure of aerobic capacity. Psychosocial and health factors included age, sex,
height, body mass index, number of chronic conditions, depression, and falls
efficacy. RESULTS: Separate multivariable regression models predicting SPPB and
LLFDI scores described 33% and 42% of the variance in each outcome (R(2)),
respectively. Leg velocity and ETT duration were positively associated with both
performance-based and patient-reported functional measures. Leg strength and age
were positively associated with SPPB scores, whereas number of chronic
conditions, sex, and falls efficacy were associated with the LLFDI scores.
LIMITATIONS: This study included older adults with mobility limitations and may
not generalize to other populations. CONCLUSIONS: Performance-based and
patient-reported measures of physical function appear to assess different aspects
of an older person's functioning. The SPPB was associated with age and
physiologic factors, whereas patient-reported function measured by the LLFDI was
associated with these factors as well as with psychosocial and health factors.

Langue : ANGLAIS