Preliminary Validation Of The Virtual Short Physical Performance Battery In Older Adults With Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

PURPOSE: There are relatively few measures for studying physical function involving older adults with multiple sclerosis (MS), including non-supervised outcomes administered within a patient’s home. However, such measures are necessary considering the prevalence and associated consequences of MS and aging on physical function. The objective of this study was to perform a preliminary examination of the validity of the virtual Short Physical Performance Battery (vSPPB) and its associations with objectively-measured levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and cognitive function. METHODS: A sample of 30 older adults with MS (≥60 years of age) underwent assessments of cognitive function, completed a battery of lower and upper extremity function assessments, including the vSPPB, and wore an accelerometer for a 7-day period. Spearman correlations (r) were conducted based on an expected differential pattern of associations with measures of upper and lower extremity function and for MVPA and cognitive function. RESULTS: vSPPB scores demonstrated strong associations with measures of lower extremity function (r=0.55−0.81), and weak associations with a measure of upper extremity function (r=0.16). The total SPPB (9.2 (2.3)) and vSPPB (6.9 (2.4)) scores were similar and moderately correlated (r=0.76) and the component scores of the SPPB and vSPPB were moderately to strongly correlated (r=0.41 − 0.58). Total vSPPB scores demonstrated moderate associations with minutes of MVPA per day (r=0.46). There were no significant associations between vSPPB scores and any of the cognitive measures. CONCLUSION: We provide preliminary evidence that supports the validity of scores from the vSPPB as a measure of perceived lower extremity function that provides unique information for inclusion in clinical research and practice involving older adults with MS.