Continuous-Scale Physical Functional Performance Test: Validity, Reliability, and Sensitivity of Data for the Short Version

The Continuous-Scale Physical Functional Performance Test (CS-PFP) can be used to obtain valid, reliable, and sensitive measurements of physical functional capacity. This test requires a fixed laboratory space and approximately 1 hour to administer. This study was carried out in 4 steps, or substudies, to develop and validate a short, community-based version (PFP-10) that requires less space and equipment than the CS-PFP. Retrospective data (n=228) and prospective data (n=91) on men and women performing the CS-PFP or the PFP-10 are reported. A 12-week exercise program was used to examine sensitivity to change. Data analyses were done using paired t-test, Pearson correlation, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and delta index (DI) procedures. The PFP-10 total score and 4 of the 5 domain scores were statistically similar (within 3%) to those of the CS-PFP. The PFP-10 upper-body strength domain score was 17% lower, but was highly correlated (ICC=.97). Community and established laboratory PFP-10 scores were similar (ICC=.85-.97). The PFP-10 also is sensitive to change (DI=.21-.54). The PFP-10 yields valid, reliable, and sensitive measurements and can be confidently substituted for the CS-PFP.