Turkish Version of Functional Evaluation of Physical Performance for the Geriatric Population: A Reliability and Validity Study

Abstract

Objective:To translate the “Functional Evaluation of Physical Performance for the Geriatric Population (Alusti test)” into Turkish to examine validity and reliability.Materials and Methods:During the translation period, the cross-cultural adaptation design proposed using the guideline was used. The patients evaluated the Turkish version of the Alusti test and it was applied again a week later. To determine the reliability and internal consistency, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was calculated. Test-retest reliability was determined using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Pearson’s correlation analysis. Construct validity was examined with factor analysis. Convergent validity was examined by comparing Alusti test with Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and Barthel index (BI), and criterion validity was examined by comparing Alusti test with Tinetti balance and gait assessment, timed up and go test (TUGT), 6-meter walking speed test, and Rivermead mobility index (RMI) scores.Results:Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.701. The ICC for the test-retest reliability was 0.948. The Alusti test was explained by four factors. SPPB (r=0.586, p=0.000), BI (r=0.321, p=0.005) and Tinetti gait test (r=0.512, p=0.000) were moderately positively correlated with the Alusti test total score. The Tinetti balance test (r=0.662, p=0.000), Tinetti balance and gait assessment total score (r=0.655, p=0.000) and RMI (r=0.715, p=0.000) were highly positive correlated.Conclusion:The Turkish version of the Alusti test is a valid and reliable scale for the geriatric population.

Keywords

• physical performance
• functional assessment
• older people
• validity
• reliability