Assessment of physical performance in elderly with Short Physical Performance Battery Test

Abstract

Abstract
Physical performance testing provides an assessment for physical decline in elderly. It is necessary to assess their physical performance annually. A previous study showed that the Short Physical Performance Battery test (SPPB) is the best choice for physical performance assessment due to good psychometric properties including validity and reliability, and good responsiveness. The results from the Short Physical Performance Battery test can be used as an indicator of functional status, and also as a predictor of health status, including mobility-related disability, daily living activity disability, subsequently hospitalization, hospital
length of stay, death, or risk of falling. The test is easy to manage in clinical practice and is quick to complete. It is also considered safe to administer to both elderly in the community and elderly in hospital. In addition, the Short Physical Performance Battery test is recommended by several medical clinical practice guidelines for physical performance-based testing in elderly.