Virtual Short Physical Performance Battery

Abstract

Background. Performance-based and self-report instruments of physical function are frequently used and provide complementary information. Identifying older adults with a mismatch between actual and perceived function has utility in clinical settings and in the design of interventions. Using novel, video-animated technology, the objective of this study was to develop a self-report measure that parallels the domains of objective physical function assessed by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)-the virtual SPPB (vSPPB). Methods. The SPPB, vSPPB, the self-report Pepper Assessment Tool for Disability, the Mobility Assessment Tool-short form, and a 400-m walk test were administered to 110 older adults (mean age = 80.6 ± 5.2 years). One-week test-retest reliability of the vSPPB was examined in 30 participants. Results. The total SPPB (mean [±SD] = 7.7 ± 2.8) and vSPPB (7.7 ± 3.2) scores were virtually identical, yet moderately correlated (r = .601, p < .05). The component scores of the SPPB and vSPPB were also moderately correlated (all p values <.01). The vSPPB (intraclass correlation = .963, p < .05) was reliable; however, individuals with the lowest function overestimated their overall lower extremity function while participants of all functional levels overestimated their ability on chair stands, but accurately perceived their usual gait speed. Conclusion. In spite of the similarity between the SPPB and vSPPB, the moderate strength of the association between the two suggests that they offer unique perspectives on an older adult's physical function.

The Virtual Short Physical Performance Battery: Psychometric Properties and Validation in Older Adults With Multiple Sclerosis

“…The vSPPB uses computer animation to present the physical assessments in the SPPB (i.e., balance, gait speed, and chair rises; Marsh et al, 2010). The software displays the task, and participants are asked if the performance displayed in the video represents their ability for that task (yes/no response).…”

“…Importantly, the applicability of the SPPB has recently been extended through the use of video-animated technology yielding the virtual SPPB (vSPPB; Marsh et al, 2010). The vSPPB is a self-report measure that parallels the domains of objective physical function assessed by the SPPB and provides information on perceived lower extremity physical function.…”

“…Importantly, previous research in healthy older adults has demonstrated correlations among total vSPPB and total SPPB scores ( r = .60) and individual subscale scores (i.e., balance, gait speed, and chair rises; r = .39-.55). Yet, the vSPPB offers unique perspectives on physical function in older adults (Marsh et al, 2010) and in older adults with MS. The vSPPB may be advantageous for researchers and clinicians as it is a nonsupervised outcome that can be administered within an older adult’s residence.…”

“…We examined psychometric properties based on data quality, scaling assumptions, and acceptability (Andresen, 2000). Criterion validity was established using an expected pattern of correlations between vSPPB and SPPB scores for older adults with MS (Marsh et al, 2010). Construct validity was determined by examining the expected differences between MS and control samples (known-groups evidence) and an expected pattern of correlations with external measures (convergent and divergent validity; Marsh et al, 2010; Motl et al, 2015).…”

“…Criterion validity was established using an expected pattern of correlations between vSPPB and SPPB scores for older adults with MS (Marsh et al, 2010). Construct validity was determined by examining the expected differences between MS and control samples (known-groups evidence) and an expected pattern of correlations with external measures (convergent and divergent validity; Marsh et al, 2010; Motl et al, 2015). The external measures included assessments of lower (LEF) and upper extremity function (UEF), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and cognitive function.…”