Validity and reliability of the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB): a pilot study on mobility in the Colombian Andes.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the validity (convergent and construct) and reliability of the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) among non-disabled adults between 65 to 74 years of age residing in the Andes Mountains of Colombia. METHODS: Design Validation study; PARTICIPANTS: 150 subjects aged 65 to 74 years recruited from elderly associations (day-centers) in Manizales, Colombia. MEASUREMENTS: The SPPB tests of balance, including time to walk 4 meters and time required to stand from a chair 5 times were administered to all participants. Reliability was analyzed with a 7-day interval between assessments and use of repeated ANOVA testing. Construct validity was assessed using factor analysis and by testing the relationship between SPPB and depressive symptoms, cognitive function, and self rated health (SRH),…