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PubMed2003

Is a fall just a fall: correlates of falling in healthy older persons. The Health, Aging and Body Composition Study.

OBJECTIVES: To identify factors associated with falling in well-functioning older people. DESIGN: Cross-sectional analyses of report of falls over the past 12 months using baseline data from the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study. SETTING: Clinic examinations in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, or Memphis, Tennessee. PARTICIPANTS: Three thousand seventy-five high-functioning black and white elderly aged 70 to 79 living in the community. MEASUREMENTS: Physical function assessed using self-report and performance measures. Health status indicators included diseases, medication use, and body composition measures. RESULTS: Almost one-quarter (24.1%) of women and 18.3% of men reported at least one fall within the year before the baseline examination. Fallers were more likely to be female; white; report more chronic diseases and medications; and have lower leg strength, poorer balance, slower 400-meter walk time, and lower muscle mass. In men, multivariate logistic regression models showed white race (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.2-1.6), slower 6-meter walk speed (OR = 1.1, 95% CI = 1.0-1.3), poor standing balance (OR = 1.2, 95% CI = 1.0-1.4), inability to do 5 chair stands (OR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.3-1.9), report of urinary incontinence (UI) (OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.1-2.0), and mid-quintile of leg muscle strength (OR = 0.6, 95% CI = 0.4-0.9) to be independently associated with report of falling. In women, benzodiazepine use (OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.0-2.6), UI (OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.2-1.9), and reported difficulty in rising from a chair (OR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.2-1.6) were associated with past falls. CONCLUSION: Falls history needs to be screened in healthier older adults. Even for well-functioning older persons, specific correlates of falling can be identified to define those at risk.

Accidental Falls↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Quality of life and symptoms of residual damage in cerebellar tumors in children and adolescents].

At the departments of neurosurgery and pediatrics of the University Hospital of Hamburg 21 patients after neurosurgery and radiation of cerebellar tumors have been examined as to neuropsychological, neurological and ophtalmological disabilities. A standardized questionairy for the parents concerning different aspects of their children's quality of life (physical, mental, social health and functional limitations) was performed. 16 children showed minor neurological signs with no or mild disability, in 5 children severe disability was found. In 4 patients morphological changes in the eyeground, in 2 patients amblyopia was detected. 19 patients underwent a neuropsychological examination. The group of patients with medulloblastoma or ependymoma (n = 10) scored in nearly all tests below the group with astrocytoma (n = 9). 3 out of 7 patients in the medulloblastoma or ependymoma group had to abandon school, one patient needs special education. All patients with astrocytoma performed fairly well at school. Parents of patients with medulloblastoma or ependymoma classified their children's quality of life not as good as did parents of children with astrocytoma. The amount of objective disability had no influence on the parents estimation of their children's quality of life. Besides the neurological examination the neuropsychological and quality of life assessment proved to be an essential part of follow up. For a more comprehensive understanding of quality of life, qualitative assessment strategies should be included in further research.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Functional outcomes after open reduction and internal fixation for treatment of displaced distal radius fractures in patients over 60 years of age.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical, radiographic, and functional outcomes of patients aged 60 and older treated with open reduction and internal fixation using plates and screws for displaced and comminuted fractures of the distal radius. DESIGN: Retrospective, clinical research. SETTING: Tertiary care center (Level 1 trauma center) located in a large urban area. PATIENTS: Eighteen patients with an average age of 71 years (range 60-86) form the basis of this study. Patients were obtained from a surgical database of 2 hand surgeons in a tertiary care center. INTERVENTION: Open reduction and internal fixation of fractures of the distal radius using metal plates and screws designed for treatment of these injuries. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Clinical (history and physical examination), plain radiographic, and functional assessments were performed at an average follow-up of 26 months (range 12-40 months). Functional outcomes were assessed using the Gartland and Werley and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scoring systems. RESULTS: Satisfactory reduction was achieved in all 18 fractures at the time of operative fixation with no instances of loss of fracture reduction during the study period. There were no cases of malunion, nonunion, or instances of device failure. We identified 4 minor complications. No patients required reoperation. Fifteen patients had an excellent (83%) and 3 had a good (17%) result according to the Gartland and Werley scoring system. The mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was 4.4 (range 0-14) out of a maximum 100. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that open reduction and internal fixation with plates and screws in patients 60 years and older with displaced and comminuted fractures of the distal radius represents a safe and effective treatment alternative.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Rapid resolution of chronic sciatica with intravenous infliximab after failed epidural steroid injections.

STUDY DESIGN: A case study of the use of infliximab to treat sciatica associated with disc herniation in a man who had failed extensive treatment, including 3 epidural injections, for several months. OBJECTIVE: To compare and contrast the clinical and imaging data before and after treatment with infliximab and to compare these results to those of a previously published case series. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: One prior case series had reported good results in patients with sciatica and disc herniation of up to 3 months' duration. However, patients had not had previous epidural steroid injections, and no comparative imaging data were reported. METHODS: After 8 months of unrelenting sciatica, the patient received a single infusion of infliximab. He was evaluated using the same measures used in the previously published case series. Pain scales, functional assessments, physical examinations, and imaging studies were performed immediately before infusion and for several months after treatment, with a final evaluation 6 months following infliximab treatment. RESULTS: One week after treatment, he reported >50% reduction in back and leg pain. Six months posttreatment, his back and leg pains were reduced by 89% and 86%, respectively. Strength and reflexes were restored to normal. Magnetic resonance imaging performed 3 months postinfliximab showed a 50% reduction in the herniation and disappearance of previously noted S1 root compression. There were no side effects from the treatment. CONCLUSION: This report extends the potential use of infliximab to patients with more chronic sciatica and to those who have had prior epidural steroids. Larger, randomized trials are warranted.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

The Sarcoidosis Health Questionnaire: a new measure of health-related quality of life.

The Sarcoidosis Health Questionnaire (SHQ) is a health-related quality-of-life (HRQL) instrument we designed in a two-part study to allow patients to describe their satisfaction with life as it is affected by sarcoidosis. In the Development Study, we created the SHQ from a 151-item pool generated from interviews with 107 patients, a search of the relevant literature, and discussion with sarcoidosis experts. Using clinical impact methodology and the questionnaire responses of a separate group of 149 patients, we reduced the total number of items to 29. The final SHQ has three domains: Daily Functioning, Physical Functioning, and Emotional Functioning. In the Validation Study, performed with a different group of 111 patients, we found that the SHQ had good internal consistency reliability, as well as evidence of content, criterion, and construct validity based on its comparison with other measures of HRQL (Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item short form and the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire) and of mental health (the Center for Epidemiologic Study-Depression Scale), as well as with clinical variables including spirometry. The SHQ alone was sensitive to differences in HRQL based on the number of involved organ systems. In conclusion, we have developed a self-completed HRQL questionnaire for U.S. patients with sarcoidosis.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed2001

Self-reported quality of life of individual cancer patients: concordance of results with disease course and medical records.

PURPOSE: To investigate the applicability of a standard quality of life (QL) questionnaire to individual cancer patients and to explore the potential for impact of QL information on the process of care by comparing at group level the QL results with the medical records. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred fourteen consecutive patients at the oncology clinics at St James's Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom, completed the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ)-C30 on a touch-screen computer over a 6-month period. The QL results were compared with the corresponding medical records at individual and group level. RESULTS: For individual patients, the serial measurement of QL allowed recognition of patterns over time corresponding to disease course. At group level, a higher proportion of patients reported problems on EORTC QLQ-C30 than were mentioned in the medical records (McNemar paired test, P <.01). Most often clinicians mentioned pain (22% to 39%), and at the initial visit role (66%), and social issues (77%). For the rest of the symptoms and functions, the problems were recorded in between 1% and 25% of the notes, but 20% to 76% of the patients reported QL impairment. Problems that were not recorded in the medical notes tended to be of low severity, with a significant trend observed for pain, fatigue, nausea/vomiting, dyspnea, loss of appetite, and physical function scale (chi(2) test, 11.55 to 34.42, df = 1, P <.001). CONCLUSION: The QL data on individual patients was consistent with the clinical records, thus providing evidence for the validity of these measures in assessment of the individual. The QL profiles had more information on symptoms and particularly on functional issues, such as emotional distress and physical performance.

Disease Progression↗

PubMed1998

Mechanical dysfunction of ventriculoperitoneal shunts caused by calcification of the silicone rubber catheter.

OBJECT: The authors studied new and calcified shunt catheters to identify the prevalence of failures caused by aging materials in the shunt. Complications associated with these devices have various origins. Among late complications, fracture or migration of the system is related to the subcutaneous adhesion of the distal tubing in a growing child. A review of a cohort of 64 children who underwent shunt placement in 1980 with barium-impregnated distal catheters showed that 10 of these patients underwent reoperation for complications related to aging of the shunt material. This group represents 15% of the whole series and 30% of those children who were followed for more than 3 years. The true impact of aging of materials on shunt function is probably underestimated. METHODS: The authors performed physical, chemical, and mechanical analyses of the retrieved aged catheters and also of new catheters, resulting in the following findings: 1) calcifications were observed only on the external surface of the catheter, predominantly in its subcutaneous segment at the level of the neck and anterior chest wall; 2) calcifications contained particles of free silicon and barium sulfate, signifying fragmentation of the polymer; 3) the microstructure of the silicone polymer was modified: microfractures and alteration of the polymeric network were observed; 4) silanol groups were observed on the external surface of the catheter; and 5) the mechanical properties of the silicone rubber were degraded, and the aged catheters were more brittle than the new ones, with ruptures at elongations and fracture energy much lower than that seen in new catheters. Furthermore, in vitro testing with a metastable solution of simulated body fluid demonstrated the critical impact of pH variations in liquid media and surface degradation of the catheters on the precipitation of hydroxylapatite crystals. CONCLUSIONS: Although most shunt complications can be addressed by better patient management and surgical technique, late complications appear to be partly related to aging of the material. Distal tubing calcifications have been observed in barium-impregnated catheters. The industry recently responded to these observations by introducing plain silicone-coated shunt tubing; further evaluation will show what improvement can be expected.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1988

Comparison of myoelectric and conventional prostheses for adolescent amputees.

We questioned whether myoelectric prostheses were a reasonable alternative to conventional prostheses for adolescents with unilateral, congenital, below-elbow amputations in respect to fit, function, cosmesis, and cost. Ten patients were studied. Each received a physical, functional, and psychosocial evaluation prior to prosthetic fitting. The physical evaluation included myopotential, residual limb length and circumference, active range of motion, terminal device grasp force, and mechanical range. The functional evaluation consisted of a questionnaire of 38 bimanual activities. The psychosocial evaluation included an assessment of both the patient and the family. Following prosthesis fabrication, each patient received 10 days of training, a 3-month checkup, and a 6-month reevaluation. Wearing patterns, perception of cosmesis, change in physical attributes of the residual limb, and functional performance were documented. Results indicate that for these subjects myoelectric prostheses with a hand were an acceptable alternative to conventional prostheses with a hook.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed2005

[The prevalence of occupational asthma in auto and furniture dye workers in downtown Elazig].

Occupational asthma (OA) is characterized by reversible airway obstruction and/or bronchial hyperresponsiveness occurred after exposition to dust, vapor, gas or smoke which are present in the workplace. We aimed to determine the frequency of OA in auto and furniture dye workers in our city center. One-hundred-forty-two workers in Elazig Central Industrial Centre (86 auto, 56 furniture dyes) were included in the study. The workers were questioned with "Turkish Thorax Association Occupational and Environmental Pulmonary Diseases Evaluation Form", and physical examination and pulmonary function tests (PFT) were performed. Follow of peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and reversibility tests were performed to patients who had complaints or abnormality in PFT. The workers who had reversibility and positive daily PEFR variability were taken away from work and PEFR variables were followed. The workers had no symptoms when they were taken away from work and daily PEFR were below than 20%, accepted as OA. Twenty-one workers of 22 workers who have abnormal questionnaire, symptoms and abnormality in PFT, accepted daily PEFR measurements. Daily PEFR variability and reversibility test were positive in 5 (3.52%) workers who were accepted as OA. We detected the prevalence of OA, an important worker health problem, was 3.52% in auto and furniture dyes in industrial centre of our city. We think that the prevalence of OA can be determined with detailed history, serial PEFR follow and using PFT, in the absence of specific bronchial provocative tests. Thus, it is important to be become conscious about OA the groups who are under risk.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Technical and economic feasibility of reusing disposable perfusion cannulae.

The reuse of disposable devices is a potential source of significant cost savings to hospitals. Venous and arterial perfusion cannulae under new and reused conditions were selected to identify the clinical, safety, technical, logistic, and economic issues that must be addressed to realize these savings. Single- and dual-stage venous and arterial cannulae from two manufacturers were tested when new, after initial clinical use, and after a single clinical use plus up to nine simulated reuses. Reuse was simulated by end-to-end bending, coupling and uncoupling the connectors, and by two 1-hour soaks in plasma at 4 degrees C and 40 degrees C, respectively. Cannulae were decontaminated and then sterilized by a peracetic acid based liquid chemical sterilization system following each use/reuse. Sterilization was validated by eliminating Bacillus subtilis spores from the cannulae on each of five consecutive cycles. Cannulae were tested for physical changes, functional integrity, biocompatibility, and in vivo performance in sheep. A cost minimization analysis was also performed. No clinically important differences were found between new and reused cannulae, even after nine simulated reuses. Mechanical changes were less than 20% on all variables studied and were undetectable by experienced cardiac surgeons in selective evaluation. Sterilization was successfully achieved. Reusing cannulae for times would reduce the cost per procedure from $53 to $19 (64%). Perfusion cannulae tested can be safely and efficaciously used five times. This study suggests that reuse would result in a small incremental savings; however, with more expensive devices and higher-volume sterilization procedures, the savings could be exponentially greater. Although this study demonstrates that it may be technically feasible and cost-effective to reuse disposable cannulae, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not sanction the reuse of disposable cannulae.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Long-term effects of combined therapy in patients with beta-thalassemia major].

We evaluated therapy complications in 19 beta-thalassemia major patients (mean age from 3 years/5 months and 1 years/6 months) who were followed at II Pediatric Department-University of Bari. 3 out of 19 patients underwent allogenic BMT from matched related donor; 2 out of 19 underwent splenectomy. All of them were receiving hypertransfusion therapy and continuous chelation with DFO. In all patients we performed physical examination, laboratory assays, cardiac and endocrinologic function tests, serum HBV-HCV-HIV antibodies, otoscopy and audiometric test, fundus oculi, skeletal x-ray. 1 out of 19 patients, who was under 15, had a slight dilatation of left ventricle and arythmia. All patients were HBsAb positive. 4/19 patients were HCV Ab positive (ELISA test) with an increase in ALT-AST serum levels since at least 6 months. In 3 of them we assessed RIBA test, always positive. 3 of them underwent liver biopsy (1 iron overload 2 chronic active hepatitis). All patients were HIV Ab negative. 4/15 patients revealed low GH levels after Arginina test. 13 pre-pubescent patients had normal results with GNRH test but lower results after FSH test. 1 pubescent patient had gonadotropic hypophyseal deficit. 4 patients had subclinic hypothiroidism. We couldn't find any sequelas in bone-eyes-ears. Hypertransfusion therapy, chelation, profilaxis of infections improved length and quality of life in thalassemic patients. Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism remains a serious sequela and we think it needs to be treated.

Bone Marrow Transplantation↗

PubMed2002

[Relationship between lifestyle activities and physical functions in elderly persons utilizing care facilities].

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between outdoor-activity areas and physical functions such as muscle strength, postural balance, gait function, and to identify the physical functions related to accomplishment of outdoor activity in elderly persons utilizing outpatient rehabilitation facilities. Furthermore, we investigated the relationship among physical, social and intellectual activities and physical functions. The subjects were 265 elderly persons (average age: 80.3 +/- 7.0). They were classified into the indoor-activity group, neighborhood outdoor-activity group and long-distance outdoor-activity group, and functional differences among the three groups were examined. The Barthel index, one-leg standing time, timed up-and-go test and performance-oriented mobility assessment were significantly different among the three groups. These results suggested that physical functions have a close relationship with extension of the activity area. Based on 95% confidence intervals, elderly subjects with more than 95 points on the Barthel index seemed able to do neighborhood outdoor activities. Those who can finish timed up-and-go test in less than 18 seconds, and obtain 26 points in performance-oriented mobility assessment may be able to do long-distance outdoor-activities using a bus. Furthermore, it was found that physical function was largely affected by physical activity such as exercise habituation and house keeping. In conclusion the difference of the activity area as well as extended activities of ADL influenced the physical function, which was critical to prevent functional decline in elderly persons.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1995

Evaluating the risk of dependence in activities of daily living among community-living older adults with mild to moderate cognitive impairment.

BACKGROUND: Although cognitive impairment has been implicated as a risk factor for dependence in activities of daily living (ADLs), little is known about the risk of ADL dependence among older adults with cognitive impairment. METHODS: Among a representative cohort of 1,103 community-living adults aged 72 years and older, we evaluated the 237 subjects with mild to moderate cognitive impairment who were independent in their basic ADLs. All cohort members had undergone a comprehensive assessment, including a battery of qualitative and timed performance tests. RESULTS: ADL dependence developed in 31 (16%) of the 197 subjects who had complete data at the 1-year follow-up. Of the self-reported characteristics, only three--living alone, not being currently married, and having an impairment in IADL function--were significantly associated (p < .05) with the onset of ADL dependence. Several simple tests of physical performance, on the other hand, were strongly associated with the development of ADL dependence. Both timed and qualitative performance tests successfully identified subjects at risk for ADL dependence. A combination of two performance tests--rapid gait and qualitative chair stands--was particularly effective at distinguishing subjects at low (4.7%) and high (34%-39%) risk for ADL dependence. CONCLUSIONS: Among community-living older adults with mild to moderate cognitive impairment, the risk of ADL dependence is high but varies considerably depending on how well and how quickly one can perform simple tasks of everyday function. An assessment strategy based on tests of physical performance may allow clinicians to identify subgroups of cognitively impaired elders at low and high risk for ADL dependence.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed2004

Subjective and objective physical limitations in high-functioning renal dialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: The utility of subjective measures of physical function as discriminative, evaluative and predictive tools in patients with ESRD is accepted, but objective performance tests also provide valuable information on patient status. The aims of this study were to determine what objective physical limitations exist in a select group of dialysis patients, designated as 'high-functioning' on the basis that they had low comorbidity and subjectively perceived themselves to function well, and to examine relationships between the objective and subjective measures. METHODS: Twelve patients (male, 7; female, 5) aged 18-55 years, with scores of > or = 75 points in the Short Form-36 Physical Function scale (PF) and low comorbidity (Charlson score < or = 2) were recruited for comparison with age and sex-matched sedentary controls. Objective performance measures included vibration perception threshold (VPT), peak quadriceps isokinetic and isometric muscle torque, time to reach peak isometric torque, balance (body sway with eyes open and closed), temporal gait parameters and the sit to stand test (STST). RESULTS: Dialysis patients demonstrated significant deficits by comparison with controls in subjective PF score (P < 0.001), VPT (P < 0.01), quadriceps isometric and isokinetic torque (P < 0.05, P < 0.005), body sway with eyes open (P < 0.01) and closed (P < 0.05), self selected (P < 0.005) and maximum (P < 0.01) walk speed, duration of gait cycle (P < 0.05) and STST (P < 0.001). There was significant agreement between the subjective PF score and VTP (P < 0.01), isokinetic torque (P < 0.05), body sway with eyes open (P < 0.05) and closed (P < 0.05), self-selected walk speed (P < 0.01) and STST (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Subtle but significant deficits in subjective and objective physical function existed even in this select group of dialysis patients. These findings define in more detail the underlying neuromuscular impairments and support the early implementation of active targeted rehabilitation programmes. The subjective and objective measures used here offer a useful panel of tests for clinical use in high-functioning dialysis patients.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Evaluation of a flat CRT monitor for use in radiology.

Medical radiographs based on familiar projection techniques are planar images traditionally displayed by placing on a flat surface viewbox. Presenting these planar images in digital form on a traditional monitor with a curved surface may cause distortions, possibly affecting diagnoses. This would be true especially if physical linear dimensions of the anatomy are important. Reflections from ambient lights behind the observer also could be a problem with curved displays. The goal of this study was to compare physical and psychophysical performance of a flat-surface display monitor with a traditional curved-surface monitor. Two display monitors with different types of front glass-panel surfaces were evaluated. The first monitor had a traditional curved surface, and the other had a flat surface. Physical measurements included dynamic range, display function, veiling glare, and spatial uniformity. An observer performance study used low-contrast, square-wave patterns to determine just-noticeable differences. Ambient lights were turned off in one condition and on in the other. Physical measurements showed that the display functions were nearly identical, but uniformity, veiling glare, and signal-to-noise-ratio were better for the curved monitor. Observer performance was better overall with the curved monitor, but the degradation in performance between lights off and lights on was greater for the curved than flat monitor. The greater degradation with the lights on could be attributed to more reflections off the curved than the flat monitor. A flat-surface display monitor may be useful for viewing clinical radiographs.

Computer Peripherals↗

PubMed2005

Initial functional status predicts infections during steroid therapy for renal diseases.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Corticosteroid therapy is an effective way of treatment for many renal diseases, however, it is sometimes associated with infections. Our aim is to identify useful predictive markers of infection during steroid therapy. METHODS: We examined 121 patients (M/F = 71/50, mean age 43.8, range 15 - 82 years) who were treated with corticosteroids (IgA nephropathy in 51, minimal-change disease in 17, membranous nephropathy in 16 rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) in 13, lupus nephritis in 12 and other disorders in 12). Karnofsky's performance score (KPS) was employed to assess the physical functional status at the time of diagnosis. Infections were defined as conditions that required more than 1-week care, and those that caused the patient's death. RESULTS: Nineteen patients (15.7%) had infections during treatment. A logistic multivariate analysis showed significant correlations between infection and the use of immunosuppressive agents (relative risk RR = 7.7, p = 0.0265), ages of 52.9 years or more (RR = 13.5, p = 0.0026), initial number of lymphocytes (Lym) less than 1.250/microl (RR = 14.2, p = 0.0011), and KPS less than 77.4 (RR = 12.1, p = 0.0020). All correlations with infection were independent of all the other variables listed above. CONCLUSION: KPS, along with age, Lym and the use of immunosuppressive agents, are useful for the prediction of infectious complications during steroid therapy.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Analyses of male residents in community nursing facilities: comparisons of Veterans Health Administration residents to other residents.

We compared Veterans Health Administration (VHA) residents in community nursing facilities to other residents. We used all admission assessments in the Minimum Data Set throughout the United States during 2000 to identify 7,296 male VHA residents and 159,203 other male residents in community nursing facilities. Male VHA residents were significantly more independent in the self-performance of activities of daily living and less physically disabled than other male residents, with minor differences in cognitive function as measured by a Cognitive Performance Scale. Male VHA residents were more likely to have comorbidities than other male residents. Significantly larger proportions of other male residents than VHA residents received special treatments and procedures, with especially large differences for various therapies (e.g., physical therapy). We found significant differences in the demographic and clinical characteristics of male VHA residents in community nursing facilities compared with other male residents. These differences in the delivery of services may have implications for the quality of care for veterans in this setting.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

An evaluation of three self-report physical activity instruments for older adults.

PURPOSE: To assess the known-groups and construct validity of measures from the CHAMPS Physical Activity Questionnaire, Physical Activity Survey for the Elderly (PASE), and the Yale Physical Activity Survey (YPAS). METHODS: The three questionnaires were administered to a convenience sample of older adults (N = 87) recruited from community centers and retirement homes. Validation measures included the SF-36 measures of physical functioning, general health, mental health, and pain; body mass index; performance-based tests of lower body functioning and endurance; and Mini-Logger activity monitor data from ankle and waist sensors. Validity was estimated by testing hypotheses about associations between physical activity and validation measures. RESULTS: As hypothesized, differences in activity levels on all measures were found between older adults in retirement homes (less active) and community centers (more active) (P-values < 0.0001). Correlations of physical activity measures with performance-based measures ranged from 0.44 to 0.68, conforming to hypotheses; hypotheses regarding associations with the SF-36 measures were also confirmed. Body mass index was not correlated with any of the physical activity measures, contrary to hypotheses. Correlations of physical activity measures with Mini-Logger counts ranged from 0.36 to 0.59 (ankle) and 0.42 to 0.61 (waist) as hypothesized. Correlations among the measures from the three instruments ranged from 0.58 to 0.68. CONCLUSIONS: The PASE, YPAS, and CHAMPS each demonstrated acceptable validity, as all measures met nearly all hypotheses. Higher validity coefficients were found for subgroups (men, 65-74 yr, retirement home), suggesting that these instruments may perform better for certain segments of the older adult population.

Activities of Daily Living↗