Article

African American older adults have higher rates of self-reported
disability and lower physical performance scores compared with white older
adults. Measures of physical performance are used to predict future morbidity and
to determine the effect of exercise. Characteristics of performance measures are
not known for African American older adults. The purpose of this study was to estimate the standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable
change (MDC) for the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Timed "Up & Go"
Test (TUG) time, free gait speed, fast gait speed, and Six-Minute Walk Test
(6MWT) distance in frail African American adults. DESIGN: This observational
measurement study used a test-retest design. METHODS: Individuals were tested 2
times over a 1-week period. Demographic data collected included height, weight,
number of medications, assistive device use, and Mini-Mental Status Examination
(MMSE) scores. Participants then completed the 5 physical performance tests.
RESULTS: Fifty-two participants (mean age=78 years) completed the study. The
average MMSE score was 25 points, and the average body mass index was 29.4
kg/m(2). On average, participants took 7 medications, and the majority used
assistive devices. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC [2,1]) were greater
than .90, except for the SPPB score (ICC=.81). The SEMs were 1.2 points for the
SPPB, 1.7 seconds for the TUG, 0.08 m/s for free gait speed, 0.09 m/s for fast
gait speed, and 28 m for 6MWT distance. The MDC values were 2.9 points for the
SPPB, 4 seconds for the TUG, 0.19 m/s for free gait speed, 0.21 m/s for fast gait
speed, and 65 m for 6MWT distance. LIMITATIONS: The entire sample was from an
urban area. CONCLUSIONS: The SEMs were similar to previously reported values and
can be used when working with African American and white older adults. Estimates
of MDC were calculated to assist in clinical interpretation.

Langue : ANGLAIS