Testing the Reliability of the Short Physical Performance Battery in Institutionalized Individuals With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Background This study aimed to evaluate the reliability of the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) in institutionalized adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Methods The final sample consisted of 32 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (15 men and 17 women), with a mean age of 35.31 ± 15.93 years and all participants were institutionalized. Results The total SPPB score exhibited excellent internal consistency (α = 0.929) and excellent test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.931; p ≤ 0.001), indicating a high degree of measurement stability for the composite score. Conclusions It is concluded that the SPPB may be a reliable tool for assessing physical function in institutionalized individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, although specific adaptations may be necessary to maximize its reliability. However, results should be interpreted as preliminary considering the relatively small and heterogeneous sample.