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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2011 Dec;91(12):1804-11.
doi: 10.2522/ptj.20100417. Epub 2011 Oct 14.

Performance-based versus patient-reported physical function: what are the underlying predictors?

Jonathan F Bean  1 , Daniele D Olveczky, Dan K Kiely, Sharon I LaRose, Alan M Jette
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Performance-based versus patient-reported physical function: what are the underlying predictors?

Jonathan F Bean et al. Phys Ther. 2011 Dec.

Abstract

Background: 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.

Objective: 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.

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Figures

Appendix.
Appendix.
Questions Included in the Function Component of the Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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