The psychometric properties of the short physical performance battery to assess physical performance in older adults: a systematic review

Review written by Dr Mariana Wingood info

Key Points

  1. The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) is a commonly used outcome measure that evaluates a patient’s function, risk of falls, and frailty status.
All key points available for members only
Start free trial Icon
Or log in here

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) is a feasible physical performance measure that takes less than 10 minutes to complete. See Figure 1 for more details about SPPB’s components and scoring (1).

Image

Prior studies have examined its ability to evaluate and predict patients’ risk of having impaired function, risk of falls, and being frail (2). However, its utility within physical therapy has not been examined.

The objective of this study was to describe the psychometric properties of the SPPB.

The Short Physical Performance Battery is a feasible physical performance measure that takes less than 10 minutes to complete.
bulb
This is an appropriate screening tool to identify individuals who are frail, have limited functional mobility, or at increased risk of falling. However, it is not a recommended assessment to track progress throughout a physical therapy plan of care.

METHODS

Design: Systematic Review

Start free trial Icon
to unlock full access to this review and 1109 more
Or log in here
Trustpilot