Performance and Clinimetric Properties of the Timed Up From Floor Test Completed by Apparently Healthy Community-Dwelling Older Women.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Standing up from the floor is a demanding mobility activity with important implications. The purpose of this study was to describe performance and the clinimetric properties of the Timed Up From Floor (TUFF) test completed by apparently healthy community-dwelling older women. METHODS: In this observational and methodological quality study, 52 community-dwelling women, 55 years and older, were examined. Convergent and discriminant validities were examined by analyzing the correlations of TUFF test times with other mobility variables and emotional status, respectively. Validity was further examined by comparing TUFF times between age groups and fall risk groups. Interrater reliability of the TUFF test was established by comparing the times obtained by 3 raters observing the same videotaped performances. Test-retest reliability was determined by having the same 3 raters observe videos of the same participants performing the TUFF test during a second session 1 week later. RESULTS: The grand mean (SD) TUFF time measured by all testers on the first day was 5.8 (2.9) seconds. Convergent validity was demonstrated by significant negative (P < .001) Spearman correlations between the TUFF test and the Physical Functioning Scale of the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) (-0.69), usual gait speed (-0.48), fast gait speed (-0.74), and the 30-second sit-to-stand test (-0.46). Discriminant validity was indicated by a low and nonsignificant correlation (0.17) between the TUFF test and the SF-36 Emotional Well-being Scale. Known-groups validity was supported by a significant difference in the TUFF test times of 2 age groups (P = .02) and 2 fall risk groups (P < .001). The TUFF test was determined to have excellent relative interrater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] of 0.99) and absolute reliability (minimal detectable change [MDC95%] of 0.8 seconds). Relative test-retest reliability was excellent with ICCs of 0.88 to 0.92. Corresponding MDC95% values were large (2.4-2.8 seconds and 40.7%-45.9%). CONCLUSIONS: The TUFF test is an informative, reliable, and valid tool suitable for documenting mobility limitations in independent community-dwelling older women. More information regarding responsiveness is required.

Participants' perspectives on the feasibility of a novel, intensive, task-specific intervention for individuals with chronic stroke: a qualitative analysis.

BACKGROUND: Evidence-based practice promotes patient-centered care, yet the majority of rehabilitative research fails to take patient perspectives into consideration. Qualitative research provides a unique opportunity for patients to express opinions and provide valuable insight on intervention processes. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of a novel, intensive, task-specific intervention from the patient's perspective. DESIGN: A phenomenological approach to qualitative inquiry was used. METHODS: Eight individuals with chronic stroke participated in an intensive intervention, 3 hours per day for 10 consecutive days. Participants were interviewed twice regarding their impressions of the therapy, and a focus group was conducted with participants and family members. Data analysis included an analytical thematic approach. RESULTS: Five major themes arose related to the feasibility of the intervention: (1) a manageable amount of fatigue; (2) a difficult, yet doable, level of intensity; (3) a disappointingly short therapy duration; (4) enjoyment of the intervention; and (5) muscle soreness. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that participants perceived this novel and intensive, task-specific intervention as a feasible therapeutic option for individuals with chronic stroke. Despite the fatigue and muscle soreness associated with intensive rehabilitation, participants frequently reported enjoying the therapy and stated disappointment with the short duration (10 days). Future research should include a feasibility trial of longer duration, as well as a qualitative analysis of the benefits associated with the intervention.