PURPOSE: To examine the validity and test-retest reliability of the virtual Short Physical Performance Battery (vSPPB), a novel self-report measure of lower extremity physical function for older adults. METHODS: The actual SPPB consists of three tests that assess usual gait speed (a 4-m walk), time to perform five chair rises, and standing balance (feet together, semi-tandem stace, full tandem stance). Each component is scored 0-4 and summed to give a total score of 0-12. The computer-based vSPPB uses animation of these activities performed at performance levels corresponding to the quartiles of performance of the SPPB. The animated figure is a mannequin that is age, gender, body type, and race neutral. After viewing the animated video, the subject selects the level of performance which matches their perceived ability using a touchscreen monitor. The vSPPB, actual SPPB, 400-m walk, and the self-report Pepper Assessment Tool for Disability (PAT-D) were administered to 110 older adults (mean age = 80.6±5.2 yrs) from Winston-Salem, NC to assess validity and reliability. RESULTS: The SPPB (mean±SD = 7.7±2.8) and the vSPPB (mean = 7.7±3.2) were moderately correlated (r=0.572, P<.05). The vSPPB correlated moderately with 400-m walk time (r=-.224, P<.05) and the PAT-D (r=.546, P<0.05). The correlation between the walking component of the vSPPB and the 400-m walk time was higher (r=-.366, P<.05). Test-Retest reliability was examined in 30 participants (mean age=79.3±5.1 yrs) on two occasions 7.4 days (±2.2) apart. The SPPB (ICC=0.889, P<.05) and vSPPB (ICC=0.896, P<.05) were both highly reliable. CONCLUSIONS: The vSPPB appears to be a valid and reliable measure of lower extremity function in older adults. The vSPPB may be a useful surrogate to the SPPB in both the research and clinical settings. We are currently evaluating the predictive validity of the vSPPB in retirement communities.