Psychometric measurement of physical performance in older adults

Abstract

This investigation examined the ability of the self-reported Veterans Specific Activity Questionnaire (VSAQ) and the Yale Physical Activity Survey (YPAS) to predict an individual’s performance on a timed walking assessment. Twenty subjects 65 years of age and older (73.5 ± 4.8) volunteered for the study. There were 13 women and nine men. Subjects participated in an individual interview in which the VSAQ and the YPAS were administered. The subjects then participated in a timed 25 meter walking test (16.5 ± 2.5). The 25 meter walking test was given twice and the times for each individual was averaged. Descriptive analysis of the YPAS demonstrated that the predominant reported level of energy expenditure was used for work activities (50% ± 18.4). The least amount of calories for the entire group was expended in caretaking with a mean percentage of 3.3% (± 6.1). Exercise was the second highest calorie expending category with 21.9% (± 14.0) of total calories. However, recreational activities were a close third with a mean of 17% (± 19.0). Yard work represented 7.8% (± 7.8) of total calories. The mean score for the VSAQ was 7.4 (± 3.4). The regression analysis demonstrated that age, gender, and VSAQ score were significant predictors of physical performance on the walking test (p<0.05) (Time= -1.78 +0.274 Age +2.22 Gender - 0.366 VSAQ). The r-squared value for this was 62.5%. Performance time was significantly predicted by adding the selected values from the YPAS (exercise and work) and the value from the VSAQ (Time= 18.5 - 0.566 VSAQ +0.0568 %Exer + 0.0350 %Work). The r-squared value for this was 52.6%. There was also a significant correlation (p<0.05) between age, time, and performance (r²=0.5). Therefore, the VSAQ appears to be an alternative assessment tool for physical activity in this selected elderly population.