Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)
The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) is a series of tests used to evaluate lower extremity function and mobility in older people. The test was used in the REACT study and will be an important part of the assessments in the ACE study.
The SPPB includes three different tests, a 4-metre walk, a rise from chair test and three different ten-second balance tests. All three tests are designed to mimic the requirements of everyday life.
4-metre walk
Participants will be timed walking 4-metres. They will be given the opportunity to do this twice and the fastest time will be recorded. If the participant uses a walking stick, this can be used during the test.
Rise from chair test
Participants will be asked to rise from a seated position in a chair five times. This will be timed.
Balance tests
Participants will be asked to stand for ten seconds with feet in three different positions.
Three different foot positions: side-by-side, semi-tandem and tandem.
Scoring
The minimum score is 0 and the maximum is 12.
The walking and chair stand tests score 0-4 each.
The balance tests score 0-1 for side by side and semi-tandem and the 0-2 for the tandem stance.
Each participant’s SPPB score will be recorded at the start, 6 months and 18 months (the end of the study).