Abstract
BackgroundThe Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) is an established test of physical performance. We provide reference values for SPPB and determine SPPB performance and cut-offs in assessing sarcopenia for Asian community-dwelling older adults.MethodsFive hundred thirty-eight (57.8% women) community-dwelling adults aged 21–90 years were recruited. SPPB and its subtest scores and timings (8 ft. gait speed (GS), five-times repeated chair sit-to-stand (STS) and balance) were determined. Appendicular lean mass divided by height-squared, muscle strength (handgrip) and physical performance (6 m GS, STS and SPPB) were assessed to define sarcopenia for various Asian criteria. Area under the ROC curve (AUC) was used to assess performance of SPPB and subtests in discriminating sarcopenia in adults aged ≥60 years. Optimal SPPB and GS subtest cut-offs for each sarcopenia criterion were determined by maximizing sensitivity and specificity.ResultsThe mean SPPB score was 11.6(SD 1.1) in men and 11.5(SD1.2) in women. Majority of participants(≥50%) aged 21–80 years achieved the maximum SPPB score. SPPB total and subtest scores generally decreased with age (all p < 0.001), but did not differ between sex. Among older adults (≥60 years), SPPB and GS subtest had varied performance in assessing sarcopenia (AUC 0.54–0.64 and 0.51–0.72, respectively), and moderate-to-excellent performance in assessing severe sarcopenia (AUC 0.69–0.98 and 0.75–0.95, respectively), depending on sarcopenia definitions. The optimal cut-offs for discriminating sarcopenia in both sexes were SPPB ≤11points and GS subtest ≤1.0 m/s. The most common optimal cut-offs for discriminating severe sarcopenia according to various definitions were SPPB ≤11points in both sexes, and GS ≤0.9 m/s in men and ≤ 1.0 m/s in women.ConclusionsPopulation-specific normative SPPB values are important for use in diagnostic criteria and to interpret results of studies evaluating and establishing appropriate treatment goals. Performance on the SPPB should be reported in terms of the total sum score and registered time to complete the repeated-chair STS and 8-ft walk tests. The performance of GS subtest was comparable to SPPB and could be a useful, simple and accessible screening tool for discriminating severe sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults.
Highlights
The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) is an established test of physical performance
Handgrip strength and Appendicular lean mass (ALM)/h2 decreased with age and were 53 and 27% higher on average in males than in females, respectively (Table 1, all p < 0.001)
We show that SPPB cut-off score of ≤11 had optimal sensitivity and specificity for discriminating sarcopenia and severe sarcopenia in this Asian cohort of community-dwelling older adults, based on various AWGS19 definitions
Summary
The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) is an established test of physical performance. Physical function is an important marker for health especially in older adults. Poorer physical function is associated with poorer life quality and adverse health outcomes including cognitive impairment, institutionalization and mortality [1]. Given the huge burden associated with agerelated functional decline, early detection and intervention are important in mitigating poor physical function in community-dwelling adults, so as to delay functional disability and dependence [2]. The short physical performance battery (SPPB) is a valid and reliable measure of physical function in community and clinical settings [3,4,5,6]. Lower SPPB scores have been shown to predict lower quality of life, loss in mobility, disability and mortality [6]. SPPB could be useful for early stratification of community-dwelling individuals at risk of functional disability, as it requires minimal time, expertise and equipment to administer [8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
