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Salmand: Iranian Journal of Ageing 2020, 15(2): 224-235 |
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Shoaei F, Shams A, Sahaf R, Shamsipour Dehkordi P, Shurideh Yazdi M. Psychometric Properties of Strength and Cardiovascular Endurance Items of The Persian Version of Functional Fitness Assessment Test in the Iranian Elderly. Salmand: Iranian Journal of Ageing 2020; 15 (2) :224-235
URL: http://salmandj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-1501-en.html
URL: http://salmandj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-1501-en.html
Fatemeh Shoaei1 
, Amir Shams 2, Robab Sahaf3 , Parvaneh Shamsipour Dehkordi4 , Mohammad Shurideh Yazdi5
, Amir Shams 2, Robab Sahaf3 , Parvaneh Shamsipour Dehkordi4 , Mohammad Shurideh Yazdi5
1- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of social welfare and rehabilitation sciences, Iran.
2- Department of Motor Behavior, Sport Science Research Institute (SSRI), Iran. , drshurideh@yahoo.com
3- Department of Aging, Iranian Research Center on Aging, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
4- Department of Motor Behavior, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Alzahra University, Iran.
5- Department of Ear Nose and Throat, School of Medical, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
2- Department of Motor Behavior, Sport Science Research Institute (SSRI), Iran. , drshurideh@yahoo.com
3- Department of Aging, Iranian Research Center on Aging, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
4- Department of Motor Behavior, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Alzahra University, Iran.
5- Department of Ear Nose and Throat, School of Medical, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
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Extended Abstract
1. Introduction
According to researchers, the growth of the number of individuals aged >60 years in countries, such as the United Kingdom, Portugal, as well as other European countries is 10 times higher than the growth of their population [2 ,1]. Studies suggested that the physiological abilities of individuals decrease by about 10% to 15% per life decade in those aged >60 years (3-6). Accordingly, they encounter a severe reduction in the ability to perform daily living activities [2 ,1]. Inventories employed to assess and improve the physical conditions of middle-aged and young groups may not address the elderly’s needs [1]. Therefore, such scales lack sufficient validity and reliability for the elderly [5].
Considering the necessity to provide data related to the elderly, the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD), attempted to develop an effective and inexpensive field tool to increase the functional capacity of the elderly [6]. To achieve this goal, the AAHPERD introduced the concept of Functional Fitness (FF). FF for the elderly is defined as the physical capacity required to independently perform daily living activities without excessive fatigue and under optimal physiological conditions [1, 6]. Osness et al. (1990) developed the Functional Fitness Assessment for adults aged over 60 years (FFAA) and re-evaluated it in 1996. The FFAA for individuals aged over 60 years has 6 items that accurately explore the components of capacity and FF in the elderly [7-9].
Considering the field nature of the inventory, individual, cultural, and group differences can affect the evaluation and the type of records obtained from each individual. Thus, according to the comprehensive consequences of the increasing elderly population, the current study aimed to investigate the reliability and validity of the Persian version of the FFAA concerning cardiovascular strength and endurance items in Iranians aged >60 years.
2. Methods & Materials
The statistical population of the present study consisted of all the elderly in the age range of 60 to 80 years in Tehran City, Iran. We employed a random cluster sampling method to select the study participants. eventually, the study sample included 200 elderly (100 men & 100 women) with an age range of 80-60 years. The instrument investigated in the present study included the items of strength and endurance of the cardiovascular system of the FFAA [9 ,8]; this study examined their validity and reliability. The selected items included strength/endurance aspects using the superior hand dumbbell test for 30 seconds, followed by cardiovascular endurance items using the 880-yard walking test.
In addition, test equipment consisted of a cone; two 1.8 kg dumbbells for older women and two 3.6 kg dumbbells for older men, and a stopwatch [9 ,8]. The content validity of the cardiovascular strength and endurance items was determined by 5 experts. To evaluate the construct validity of the test, the scale development changes method was used. This method is used for tests in which the property being measured is age-related. Accordingly, if a test has desirable construct validity, a significant correlation can be obtained between different age groups [6, 12]. To determine the concurrent validity of cardiovascular strength and endurance items, a set of laboratory tests was employed; the purpose of each was per the Objectives of each item of the FFAA [9 ,8]. Accordingly, a manual tachometer was used to assess the strength of the hand muscles; a treadmill was applied to measure cardiovascular endurance [13, 14]. Fifty elderly (n=25/gender) were evaluated at this stage.
The reliability of the test was explored using test-retest and internal consistency methods. Therefore, 50 elderly (n=25/gender) were evaluated to determine the internal consistency with a one-week interval. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used to determine the internal consistency of cardiovascular strength and endurance items.
3. Results
The content validity of the test was determined by 5 experts (at least assistant professors) in the fields of occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and exercise science, and sports physiology. The evaluation analysis results indicated that the content validity of cardiovascular strength and endurance items was approved to be high and acceptable (90% to 95%). Therefore, according to the experts, the Persian version of the test provided acceptable content validity in terms of measuring the quality of 2 functional skills in the elderly.
Construct validity is employed for evaluating the developmental changes of tests where properties are measured by the development-related problems. Therefore, the correlation between the age of the elderly and the items of strength and cardiovascular endurance was separately calculated for men and women using the Pearson correlation coefficient.
The related results suggested a significant correlation between age and strength and cardiovascular endurance items for all subjects, men, and women, respectively. A set of laboratory tests was performed to determine the concurrent validity of the FFAA.
The obtained data demonstrated a significant correlation between strength and cardiovascular endurance items of the FFAA and laboratory test related to each of them, for all subjects, men, and women, respectively (P<0.05). The Kappa coefficient was used to assess the reliability between the evaluators. The related results indicated a reliability of 0.86(86%) between the assessors. The achieved data reflected the reliability between the evaluators at a high (excellent) level.
To run the test-retest method for determining the reliability, 50 elderly were evaluated at one-week intervals. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was applied to explore the reliability of the test by the internal consistency method. The values of correlation coefficients within the items obtained from the test-retest items were higher than that of the acceptable value (0.75) for the values of all investigated items.
This finding indicates the acceptable reproducibility of cardiovascular strength and endurance items. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient results suggested that the internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha coefficient) of each item was acceptable (α>0.75).
4. Conclusion
The present study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the cardiovascular strength and endurance items of the Persian version of the FFAA in the Iranian elderly. The relevant results revealed that the content, structure, and concurrent validity of cardiovascular strength and endurance items were significant for the whole sample and both genders.
Therefore, the obtained data highlighted that the items of strength and cardiovascular endurance of the Persian version of the FFAA can be used to assess FF among the Iranian elderly. The results of the correlation coefficient test to determine the reliability indicated that the values of correlation coefficients of each item fell in the desired and acceptable ranges.
In general, the present study findings suggested that cardiovascular strength and endurance items have a desirable validity (content, structure, & concurrent) and reliability (test-retest & internal consistency) in the Iranian elderly. As a result, the Persian version of the cardiovascular strength and endurance items of the FFAA can be used as a valid and reliable tool for evaluating FF among the Iranian elderly. These items, along with other tools for measuring the biopsychological components of the elderly, also provide a desirable platform for researchers and health professionals for further research and practical activities.
Ethical Considerations
Compliance with ethical guidelines
All ethical principles are considered in this article. The participants were informed about the purpose of the research and its implementation stages. The Research Committee at the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences approved the study.
Funding
This Paper is based on a research project sponsored by the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences and Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences.
Authors' contributions
Conceptualization: Fatemeh Shoaee, Robab Sahaf, Amir Shams; Methodology: Robab Sahaf, Amir Shams, Parvaneh Shamsipour Dehkordi; Validation: Fatemeh Shoaee, Robab Sahaf, Amir Shams, Parvaneh Shamsipour Dehkordi; Formal analysis: Amir Shams, Mohammad Shurideh; Investigation: Shoaee, Amir Shams; Writing – review & editing: Amir Shams, Robab sahaf; Visualization, Supervision, Project Administration: Fatemeh Shoaei, Amir Shams; Funding acquisition, Resources: Fatemeh Shoaee, Mohammad Shurideh
Conflicts of interest
The authors declared no conflict of interest.
References
Winter E, Jones A, Davison R, Bromley PD, Mercer TH. Sport and exercise physiology testing guidelines: The British association of sport and exercise sciences guide. London: Routledge; 2007. [DOI:10.4324/9780203966846]
Gouveia ER, Maia JA, Beunen GP, Blimkie CJ, Fena EM, Freitas D. Functional fitness and physical activity of Portuguese community-residing older adults. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity. 2013; 21(1):1-19. [DOI:10.1123/japa.21.1.1]
Hinman RS, Bennell, Metcalf B. R. Crossley K. M. Balance impairments in individuals with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: A comparison with matched controls using clinical tests. Rheumatology. 2002; 41(12):1388-94. [DOI:10.1093/rheumatology/41.12.1388]
Capranica L, Tiberi M, Figura F, Osness WH. Comparison between American and Italian older adult performances on the AAHPERD functional fitness test battery. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity. 2001; 9(1):11-8 [DOI:10.1123/japa.9.1.11]
Rikli RE, Jones CJ. Functional fitness normative scores for community-residing older adults, ages 60-94. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity. 1999; 7(2):162-81 [DOI:10.1123/japa.7.2.162]
Gabbard CP. Lifelong motor development. 5th edition. New York City: Pearson Publications; 2012.
Evans B, Hopkins D, Toney T. Metabolic response to the half-mile AAHPERD functional fitness walk test in older adults. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity. 1996: 4(1):80-89. [DOI:10.1123/japa.4.1.80]
Osness WH, Adrian M, Clark B, Hoeger WW, Raab D, Wiswell IR. Functional fitness assessment for adults over 60 years (A field based assessment). Reston: American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance; 1990. https://www.scienceopen.com/document?vid=24e042cb-a996-4b68-a239-64b397f9dd53
Osness WH, Adrian M, Clark B, Hoeger W, Raab D, Wiswell R. Functional fitness assessment for adults over 60 years. Dubuque: Kendall/Hunt; 1996.
Shaulis D, Golding LA, Tandy RD. Reliability of the AAHPERD functional fitness assessment across multiple practice sessions in older men and women. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity. 1994; 2(3):273-9. [DOI:10.1123/japa.2.3.273]
Mobily K, Mobily P. Reliability of the 60+ functional fitness test battery for older adults. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity. 1994; 5(2):150-62. [DOI:10.1123/japa.5.2.150]
Payne VG, Isaacs DL. Human motor development: A lifespan approach. 8th edition. New York City: McGrow Hill; 2011.
Yaguchi K, Furtani M. An applicability study of the AAHPERD’s functional fitness test for elderly American adults to elderly Japanese adults. Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine. 1998; 3:130-40. [DOI:10.1007/BF02931703]
Wood RH, Hondzinski JM, Lee CM. Evidence of an association among age-related changes in physical, psychomotor and autonomic function. Age Ageing. 2003, 32(4):415-21. [DOI:10.1123/japa.4.1.80]
Magdalena KZ, Kusy K, Jacek Z, Wiesław O. Physical activity and functional fitness in institutionalized vs. independently living elderly: A comparison of 70-80-year-old city-dwellers. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics. 2011; 53(1):10-6. [DOI:10.1016/j.archger.2010.07.013]
Manly BFJ, Jorge A, Alberto N. Multivariate statistical methods [M. Moghadam, SA. Mohammadi, Persian trans.]. Tehran: Samt; 2006. https://b2n.ir/877007
De Jong LD, Peters AD, Gawler S, Chalmers N, Henderson C, Hooper J, et al. The appeal of the Functional Fitness MOT to older adults and health professionals in an outpatient setting: A mixed-method feasibility study. Clinical Interventions in Aging. 2018; 13:1815-29. [DOI:10.2147/CIA.S173481]
1. Introduction
According to researchers, the growth of the number of individuals aged >60 years in countries, such as the United Kingdom, Portugal, as well as other European countries is 10 times higher than the growth of their population [2 ,1]. Studies suggested that the physiological abilities of individuals decrease by about 10% to 15% per life decade in those aged >60 years (3-6). Accordingly, they encounter a severe reduction in the ability to perform daily living activities [2 ,1]. Inventories employed to assess and improve the physical conditions of middle-aged and young groups may not address the elderly’s needs [1]. Therefore, such scales lack sufficient validity and reliability for the elderly [5].
Considering the necessity to provide data related to the elderly, the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD), attempted to develop an effective and inexpensive field tool to increase the functional capacity of the elderly [6]. To achieve this goal, the AAHPERD introduced the concept of Functional Fitness (FF). FF for the elderly is defined as the physical capacity required to independently perform daily living activities without excessive fatigue and under optimal physiological conditions [1, 6]. Osness et al. (1990) developed the Functional Fitness Assessment for adults aged over 60 years (FFAA) and re-evaluated it in 1996. The FFAA for individuals aged over 60 years has 6 items that accurately explore the components of capacity and FF in the elderly [7-9].
Considering the field nature of the inventory, individual, cultural, and group differences can affect the evaluation and the type of records obtained from each individual. Thus, according to the comprehensive consequences of the increasing elderly population, the current study aimed to investigate the reliability and validity of the Persian version of the FFAA concerning cardiovascular strength and endurance items in Iranians aged >60 years.
2. Methods & Materials
The statistical population of the present study consisted of all the elderly in the age range of 60 to 80 years in Tehran City, Iran. We employed a random cluster sampling method to select the study participants. eventually, the study sample included 200 elderly (100 men & 100 women) with an age range of 80-60 years. The instrument investigated in the present study included the items of strength and endurance of the cardiovascular system of the FFAA [9 ,8]; this study examined their validity and reliability. The selected items included strength/endurance aspects using the superior hand dumbbell test for 30 seconds, followed by cardiovascular endurance items using the 880-yard walking test.
In addition, test equipment consisted of a cone; two 1.8 kg dumbbells for older women and two 3.6 kg dumbbells for older men, and a stopwatch [9 ,8]. The content validity of the cardiovascular strength and endurance items was determined by 5 experts. To evaluate the construct validity of the test, the scale development changes method was used. This method is used for tests in which the property being measured is age-related. Accordingly, if a test has desirable construct validity, a significant correlation can be obtained between different age groups [6, 12]. To determine the concurrent validity of cardiovascular strength and endurance items, a set of laboratory tests was employed; the purpose of each was per the Objectives of each item of the FFAA [9 ,8]. Accordingly, a manual tachometer was used to assess the strength of the hand muscles; a treadmill was applied to measure cardiovascular endurance [13, 14]. Fifty elderly (n=25/gender) were evaluated at this stage.
The reliability of the test was explored using test-retest and internal consistency methods. Therefore, 50 elderly (n=25/gender) were evaluated to determine the internal consistency with a one-week interval. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used to determine the internal consistency of cardiovascular strength and endurance items.
3. Results
The content validity of the test was determined by 5 experts (at least assistant professors) in the fields of occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and exercise science, and sports physiology. The evaluation analysis results indicated that the content validity of cardiovascular strength and endurance items was approved to be high and acceptable (90% to 95%). Therefore, according to the experts, the Persian version of the test provided acceptable content validity in terms of measuring the quality of 2 functional skills in the elderly.
Construct validity is employed for evaluating the developmental changes of tests where properties are measured by the development-related problems. Therefore, the correlation between the age of the elderly and the items of strength and cardiovascular endurance was separately calculated for men and women using the Pearson correlation coefficient.
The related results suggested a significant correlation between age and strength and cardiovascular endurance items for all subjects, men, and women, respectively. A set of laboratory tests was performed to determine the concurrent validity of the FFAA.
The obtained data demonstrated a significant correlation between strength and cardiovascular endurance items of the FFAA and laboratory test related to each of them, for all subjects, men, and women, respectively (P<0.05). The Kappa coefficient was used to assess the reliability between the evaluators. The related results indicated a reliability of 0.86(86%) between the assessors. The achieved data reflected the reliability between the evaluators at a high (excellent) level.
To run the test-retest method for determining the reliability, 50 elderly were evaluated at one-week intervals. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was applied to explore the reliability of the test by the internal consistency method. The values of correlation coefficients within the items obtained from the test-retest items were higher than that of the acceptable value (0.75) for the values of all investigated items.
This finding indicates the acceptable reproducibility of cardiovascular strength and endurance items. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient results suggested that the internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha coefficient) of each item was acceptable (α>0.75).
4. Conclusion
The present study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the cardiovascular strength and endurance items of the Persian version of the FFAA in the Iranian elderly. The relevant results revealed that the content, structure, and concurrent validity of cardiovascular strength and endurance items were significant for the whole sample and both genders.
Therefore, the obtained data highlighted that the items of strength and cardiovascular endurance of the Persian version of the FFAA can be used to assess FF among the Iranian elderly. The results of the correlation coefficient test to determine the reliability indicated that the values of correlation coefficients of each item fell in the desired and acceptable ranges.
In general, the present study findings suggested that cardiovascular strength and endurance items have a desirable validity (content, structure, & concurrent) and reliability (test-retest & internal consistency) in the Iranian elderly. As a result, the Persian version of the cardiovascular strength and endurance items of the FFAA can be used as a valid and reliable tool for evaluating FF among the Iranian elderly. These items, along with other tools for measuring the biopsychological components of the elderly, also provide a desirable platform for researchers and health professionals for further research and practical activities.
Ethical Considerations
Compliance with ethical guidelines
All ethical principles are considered in this article. The participants were informed about the purpose of the research and its implementation stages. The Research Committee at the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences approved the study.
Funding
This Paper is based on a research project sponsored by the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences and Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences.
Authors' contributions
Conceptualization: Fatemeh Shoaee, Robab Sahaf, Amir Shams; Methodology: Robab Sahaf, Amir Shams, Parvaneh Shamsipour Dehkordi; Validation: Fatemeh Shoaee, Robab Sahaf, Amir Shams, Parvaneh Shamsipour Dehkordi; Formal analysis: Amir Shams, Mohammad Shurideh; Investigation: Shoaee, Amir Shams; Writing – review & editing: Amir Shams, Robab sahaf; Visualization, Supervision, Project Administration: Fatemeh Shoaei, Amir Shams; Funding acquisition, Resources: Fatemeh Shoaee, Mohammad Shurideh
Conflicts of interest
The authors declared no conflict of interest.
References
Winter E, Jones A, Davison R, Bromley PD, Mercer TH. Sport and exercise physiology testing guidelines: The British association of sport and exercise sciences guide. London: Routledge; 2007. [DOI:10.4324/9780203966846]
Gouveia ER, Maia JA, Beunen GP, Blimkie CJ, Fena EM, Freitas D. Functional fitness and physical activity of Portuguese community-residing older adults. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity. 2013; 21(1):1-19. [DOI:10.1123/japa.21.1.1]
Hinman RS, Bennell, Metcalf B. R. Crossley K. M. Balance impairments in individuals with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: A comparison with matched controls using clinical tests. Rheumatology. 2002; 41(12):1388-94. [DOI:10.1093/rheumatology/41.12.1388]
Capranica L, Tiberi M, Figura F, Osness WH. Comparison between American and Italian older adult performances on the AAHPERD functional fitness test battery. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity. 2001; 9(1):11-8 [DOI:10.1123/japa.9.1.11]
Rikli RE, Jones CJ. Functional fitness normative scores for community-residing older adults, ages 60-94. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity. 1999; 7(2):162-81 [DOI:10.1123/japa.7.2.162]
Gabbard CP. Lifelong motor development. 5th edition. New York City: Pearson Publications; 2012.
Evans B, Hopkins D, Toney T. Metabolic response to the half-mile AAHPERD functional fitness walk test in older adults. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity. 1996: 4(1):80-89. [DOI:10.1123/japa.4.1.80]
Osness WH, Adrian M, Clark B, Hoeger WW, Raab D, Wiswell IR. Functional fitness assessment for adults over 60 years (A field based assessment). Reston: American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance; 1990. https://www.scienceopen.com/document?vid=24e042cb-a996-4b68-a239-64b397f9dd53
Osness WH, Adrian M, Clark B, Hoeger W, Raab D, Wiswell R. Functional fitness assessment for adults over 60 years. Dubuque: Kendall/Hunt; 1996.
Shaulis D, Golding LA, Tandy RD. Reliability of the AAHPERD functional fitness assessment across multiple practice sessions in older men and women. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity. 1994; 2(3):273-9. [DOI:10.1123/japa.2.3.273]
Mobily K, Mobily P. Reliability of the 60+ functional fitness test battery for older adults. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity. 1994; 5(2):150-62. [DOI:10.1123/japa.5.2.150]
Payne VG, Isaacs DL. Human motor development: A lifespan approach. 8th edition. New York City: McGrow Hill; 2011.
Yaguchi K, Furtani M. An applicability study of the AAHPERD’s functional fitness test for elderly American adults to elderly Japanese adults. Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine. 1998; 3:130-40. [DOI:10.1007/BF02931703]
Wood RH, Hondzinski JM, Lee CM. Evidence of an association among age-related changes in physical, psychomotor and autonomic function. Age Ageing. 2003, 32(4):415-21. [DOI:10.1123/japa.4.1.80]
Magdalena KZ, Kusy K, Jacek Z, Wiesław O. Physical activity and functional fitness in institutionalized vs. independently living elderly: A comparison of 70-80-year-old city-dwellers. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics. 2011; 53(1):10-6. [DOI:10.1016/j.archger.2010.07.013]
Manly BFJ, Jorge A, Alberto N. Multivariate statistical methods [M. Moghadam, SA. Mohammadi, Persian trans.]. Tehran: Samt; 2006. https://b2n.ir/877007
De Jong LD, Peters AD, Gawler S, Chalmers N, Henderson C, Hooper J, et al. The appeal of the Functional Fitness MOT to older adults and health professionals in an outpatient setting: A mixed-method feasibility study. Clinical Interventions in Aging. 2018; 13:1815-29. [DOI:10.2147/CIA.S173481]
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
gerontology
Received: 2018/03/10 | Accepted: 2019/11/10 | Published: 2020/07/01
Received: 2018/03/10 | Accepted: 2019/11/10 | Published: 2020/07/01
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