Validity and reliability of the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB): a pilot study on mobility in the Colombian Andes

Objectives: To assess the validity (convergent and construct) and reliability of the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) among non-disabled adults between 65 to 74 years of age residing in the Andes Mountains of Colombia. Methods: Design: Validation study; Participants: 150 subjects aged 65 to 74 years recruited from elderly associations (day-centers) in Manizales, Colombia. Measurements: The SPPB tests of balance, including time to walk 4 meters and time required to stand from a chair 5 times were administered to all participants. Reliability was analyzed with a 7-day interval between assessments and use of repeated ANOVA testing. Construct validity was assessed using factor analysis and by testing the relationship between SPPB and depressive symptoms, cognitive function, and self rated health (SRH), while the concurrent validity was measured through relationships with mobility limitations and disability in Activities of Daily Living (ADL). ANOVA tests were used to establish these associations. Results: Test-retest reliability of the SPPB was high: 0.87 (CI95%: 0.77-0.96). A one factor solution was found with three SPPB tests. SPPB was related to self-rated health, limitations in walking and climbing steps and to indicators of disability, as well as to cognitive function and depression. There was a graded decrease in the mean SPPB score with increasing disability and poor health. Conclusion: The Spanish version of SPPB is reliable and valid to assess physical performance among older adults from our region. Future studies should establish their clinical applications and explore usage in population studies. Objetivos: Evaluar la validez convergente y de constructo, y la confiabilidad de la Batería Corta de desempeño físico (Short Physical Performance Battery -SPPB-) entre ancianos no discapacitados entre 65 a 74 años, en los Andes Colombianos. Métodos: 150 ancianos entre 65-74 años reclutados de los centros-día de la ciudad de Manizales, Colombia. Las pruebas del SPPB: equilibrio, caminar 4 m. y el tiempo para incorporarse 5 veces de una silla se aplicaron a todos los participantes. La fiabilidad fue medida con un intervalo de 7 días entre las evaluaciones, y analizada con Anova de medidas repetidas. La validez de constructo fue evaluada mediante análisis factorial y relaciones entre el SPPB con la función cognoscitiva, síntomas de depresión, auto-percepción de salud, y factores sociales; y la validez convergente mediante asociaciones con las limitaci