Proposal of a physical functional performance index based on body size standardization for older adults. Performance tests normalization for older adults

BACKGROUND: This study's aim was to proposal physical functional performance index based on body size standardization in older adults.METHODS: Eighty-seven eligible women were recruited to participate of this cross-sectional study. The association of body size on strength and PFP (6-walking test, chair stand test (CHT), timed up and go test, handgrip strength test, and vertical jump test) were evaluated using Pearson correlation following Fisher's r-to-z test. Contingency tables were used to show the proportion tertiles for each normalized PFP test and Body Mass Index (BMI).RESULTS: Coefficient of determination (R2) showed lower clinical measures determination (range 1% to 2.4%), while the normalized measures presented 19% to 30%. Conversely, within PFP measure (CHT, TUG, and 6-m), only CHTn presented higher determination coefficient compared with CHT (11% versus 0%, respectively).CONCLUSIONS: From a practical application view, researchers, and health care professionals involved with older adults should consider using normalized measure.