Abstract
BackgroundOlder adults with an incorrect perception of their physical abilities may fall more often, suggesting a need for tests to quantify self-perceived and actual abilities.AimsTo determine between-test consistency and test–retest reliability of three tests that measure self-perceived and actual stepping ability in older adults.MethodsOlder adults performed three stepping tests, covering high (bar test) and far steps (river and step tests). We studied between-test consistency in the perceived ability and actual ability of 269 participants at each task and in the difference between these two (degree of misjudgment). We also studied test–retest reliability in 21 participants.ResultsPerceived ability showed moderate consistency (r = 0.46–0.55, p < 0.001) and moderate-to-strong reliability [ICC(2,1) = 0.42–0.63, p < 0.03] for all tests. Actual ability showed strong consistency (r = 0.77, p < 0.001) and strong-to-excellent reliability [ICC(2,1) = 0.68–0.93, p < 0.001]. Degree of misjudgment was weakly consistent between two stepping far tests (r = 0.32, p < 0.001), but not consistent between stepping far and high tests (r = 0.05 and 0.06, p > 0.3). Test–retest reliability of the degree of misjudgment was poor-to-moderate [ICC(2,1) = 0.38 and 0.50, p < 0.05 on the two stepping far tests and ICC(2,1) = − 0.08, p = 0.63 on the stepping high test].ConclusionsActual and perceived ability can be consistently and reliably measured across tests, whereas the degree of misjudgment is less reliable and consistent within individuals.
Highlights
Thirty percent of older adults fall at least once a year and many of these falls lead to injury and fear of falling [1]
Delbaere and colleagues showed that when people have an incorrect perception of their own overall physical ability, this might increase the risk of falling [2]
When people have an incorrect perception of their own stepping ability, this may lead to more inadequate steps, which increases the risk of falling
Summary
Thirty percent of older adults fall at least once a year and many of these falls lead to injury and fear of falling [1]. To investigate whether an interplay between self-perceived and actual stepping ability is associated with and predictive of falls, we need easy to use tests to quantify an older individual’s self-perceived and actual ability, as well as a potential disparity between the two, the so-called misjudgment. These tests need to be reliable and show consistent results within subjects and between tests to be used to study or predict. Older adults with an incorrect perception of their physical abilities may fall more often, suggesting a need for tests to quantify self-perceived and actual abilities. Conclusions Actual and perceived ability can be consistently and reliably measured across tests, whereas the degree of misjudgment is less reliable and consistent within individuals
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