Reliability of functional physical performance tests adapted in a remote format for older people with a history of falls.

aimsTo analyze the reliability of the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Timed Up and Go test (TUG), and TUG with dual task (TUGDT) adapted in a remote format for older adults with a history of falls.

methodsThis reliability study was conducted with community-dwelling older adults with a history of at least two falls in the past year. The test was performed remotely and synchronously at the participant's home and after 1 month. The intra-rater reliability was assessed by the same researcher, who watched the recordings and re-evaluated each test performed. The inter-rater reliability was assessed by a second researcher, who also watched the recordings asynchronously and evaluated each test at baseline and after 1 month.

resultsThe final sample consisted of 54 volunteers, mostly women (89%), with a mean age of 73 years. The intra-rater evaluation showed excellent reliability in the postural balance tests (score), chair rise (score and seconds), SPPB, TUG, TUGDT, and number of animals spoken in the dual task, and lower reliability in the gait test (score) and when comparing the initial versus final evaluations. The inter-rater evaluation showed excellent reliability in most tests, and good reliability in the gait tests (score), chair rise (score), and TUGDT.

conclusionFunctional physical performance tests applied remotely can be used in a complementary way to assess older people with a history of falls, in situations such as difficulties in leaving home, social restriction, and fear of falling.