The short physical performance battery as a predictor for long term disability or institutionalization in the community dwelling population aged 65 years old or older

Abstract

Background: The short physical performance battery (SPPB) is a physical performance measure that has been used to predict long term disability and/or future institutionalization in adults aged 65 years old or older. The test involves three dedicated physical performance activities, scored from 0 to 4, with a summated score of 12. Higher scores reflect higher levels of function.

Objectives: The purpose of this systematic literature review was to investigate the ability of the SPPB to predict long term disability or future institutionalization in community dwellers aged 65 years old or older living in the United States.

Methods: This review used the search engines PubMed, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library, and investigated all articles that studied the SPPB as a predictor of either long term disability or future institutionalization. Studies were included if each incorporated the SPPB, involved a community dwelling population, was written in English, was a longitudinal trial, and reported on functional decline or disability, or institutionalization. Qualitative scoring was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS); each study was scored in three categories: selection, comparability, and outcome.

Results: Five articles met the inclusion criteria for this study, of the five, three evaluated the capability of the SPPB to predict long term disability and two used the SPPB to predict institutionalization. Studies found that a baseline score of 4–6 on the SPPB indicated that the individual had a 2·9–4·9 increase in risk of developing a future disability, and a score of 7–9 on the SPPB found a 1·6–2·1 relative risk of developing a future disability. A baseline score of 10–12 on the SPPB was predictive of no future disability. Lower SPPB scores were related to increased odds of institutionalization and increased functional decline/disability. The NOS scores of the included trials ranged from two to three stars for each category demonstrating moderate to good quality.

Conclusion: Of the investigated studies on the subject, it can be concluded that the SPPB is a predictor of long term disability or institutionalization in US community dwellers aged 65 years old or older.

Keywords:

• Disability
• Institutionalization
• Newcastle–Ottawa quality assessment score
• Short physical performance battery
• Systematic reviews