Minimal clinically important difference of the short physical performance battery and comfortable walking speed in old-old adults with acute cardiovascular disease: a multicenter, prospective, observational study

Abstract

Purpose

The physical function of older adults age ≥ 75 years hospitalized for cardiovascular disease (CVD) often decrease. The Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) is the smallest clinically meaningful difference due to therapy. The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and Comfortable Walking Speed (CWS) are physical function evaluations commonly used in people with CVD. This study aims to clarify the MCIDs of the SPPB and CWS in old-old adult with CVD.

Materials and methods

This was a multicenter, prospective study of 58 old-old adults with acute CVD and rehabilitation. The MCID was estimated using the participants’ and physical therapists’ (PT) Global Rating of Change (GRC) scales as anchors for changes in the SPPB and CWS. The area under the curve (AUC) was used to measure the discrimination accuracy.

Results

The MCID of SPPB was 3 points when the GRC from PT was used as an anchor (AUC = 0.70). The MCID of CWS was 0.10 m/s when the GRC from participants and PT were used as anchors (AUC = 0.70 and 0.73, respectively).

Conclusions

The MCID of 3 SPPB points and 0.10 m/s CWS in old-old adults with acute CVD may help determine the effectiveness of therapy and improve prognosis.

Implications for rehabilitation

• For people with cardiovascular disease (CVD), the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and comfortable walking speed (CWS) are often used to measure physical function.

• The MCID of SPPB and CWS was estimated to be 3 points and 0.10 m/s, respectively, in older adults with CVD aged ≥75 years.

• This finding is useful for clinicians to evaluate the efficacy of cardiac rehabilitation.

Keywords:

• Minimal clinically important difference
• Short Physical Performance Battery
• Comfortable Walking Speed
• cardiovascular disease
• acute phase
• older adults

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by a Grant-in-Aid for Encouragement for Young Scientists from the Ibaraki Prefectural University of Health Sciences.