A comparison of self-report and performance-based measures of physical function in older adults

The purpose of this thesis was to examine the associations between perceived quality of life (QOL)and self-report and performance-based measures of function. An additional purpose of this thesis was to determine whether the afore-mentioned tests could differentiate between independent-living and assisted-living older adults. A total of 36 residents, independent-living (n=22) and assisted-living (n=14), of a continuing care retirement community (age range=65-94) completed the study. Perceived QOL was assessed using the SF-36 and Nottingham Health Profile. The Barthel Index and Functional Status Index (FSI) were used to assess Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Physical function was measured using the reduced Continuous Scale-Physical Functional Performance test (CS-PFP 10). Test/retest data (n=10) revealed good stability of the CS-PFP 10 items (ICCs=0.91-0.99). There were significant associations with age and both ADLs and the CS-PFP 10 composite score. There were also significant associations with dwelling status and both the individual tasks and composite score of the CS-PFP 10 and ADLs, but not with perceived QOL (except for NHP-PM). The scarves and composite score of the CS-PFP 10 were related to the physical composite score of the SF-36 (p\u3c.005). In addition, the FSI pain and difficulty indicators were also closely asssociated with the SF-36 PCS score (p\u3c.05). Multiple regression of these predictors on the SF-36 PCS score revealed that the scarves and FSI pain indicator items provide a strong model of the PCS component of the SF-36 (F=9.51, p\u3c.001). The results of this investigation suggest that the combination of objective and subjective measures of function are associated with the perceived physical aspects of QOL in older adults