Reducing measurement errors during functional capacity tests in elders

Abstract

Background

Accuracy is essential to the validity of functional capacity measurements.

Aim

To evaluate the error of measurement of functional capacity tests for elders and suggest the use of the technical error of measurement and credibility coefficient.

Methods

Twenty elders (65.8 ± 4.5 years) completed six functional capacity tests that were simultaneously filmed and timed by four evaluators by means of a chronometer. A fifth evaluator timed the tests by analyzing the videos (reference data).

Results

The means of most evaluators for most tests were different from the reference (p < 0.05), except for two evaluators for two different tests. There were different technical error of measurement between tests and evaluators. The Bland–Altman test showed difference in the concordance of the results between methods. Short duration tests showed higher technical error of measurement than longer tests. In summary, tests timed by a chronometer underestimate the real results of the functional capacity.

Discussion

Difference between evaluators' reaction time and perception to determine the start and the end of the tests would justify the errors of measurement.

Conclusion

Calculation of the technical error of measurement or the use of the camera can increase data validity.

from # All Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2xce3Zh
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