High test-retest reliability was found for the Function component , while results for the Disability component were more variable .
Conclusions There is extensive evidence to support the construct validity and sensitivity to change of the LLFDI among various clinical population s of community-dwelling older adults .
Background The choice of measure for use as a primary outcome in geriatric research is contingent upon the construct of interest and evidence for its psychometric properties .
The Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument ( LLFDI ) has been widely used to assess functional limitations and disability in studies with older adults .
The primary aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the current available evidence for the psychometric properties of the LLFDI .
Impact of tai chi on impairment, functional limitation, and disability among preclinically disabled older people: a randomized controlled trial.
OBJECTIVES To test the effect of tai chi on the progression of pre clinical disability to manifest disability compared with seated flexibility exercise , and to examine whether tai chi mediates delayed disability by reducing impairments in musculoskeletal , cardiovascular , and neurologic systems , and related functional limitations . DESIGN Multisite parallel group individually r and omized controlled trial . SETTING General community . PARTICIPANTS Pre clinical ly disabled community-dwelling people older than 70 years ( n=503 ) , without major medical conditions or moderate to severe cognitive impairment . INTERVENTION Modified Sun style tai chi exercise compared with seated flexibility exercise , both programs delivered in groups for 60 minutes twice weekly for 24 weeks . MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Disability measured with the Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument . Secondary outcomes were impairments and functional limitations of the musculoskeletal , neurologic , and cardiovascular systems . RESULTS There was little change within or between the 2 groups . The mean change in the Disability Frequency Score was 0.3 and 0.1 points ( 100-point scale ) for the intervention and control groups , respectively ( adjusted difference -.21 ; 95 % confidence interval [ CI ] -.99 to .56 ) . The mean change in the Disability Limitation Score was -0.1 and -.04 points for the intervention and control groups , respectively ( adjusted difference -0.6 ; 95 % CI -2.31 to 1.11 ) . There was little effect on impairments or functional limitations . A higher proportion of intervention participants ceased attending the exercise program ( difference=17.9 % , 95 % CI 9.6 - 25.8 ) . Multiple imputation of missing data did not change the results . CONCLUSIONS Modified Sun style tai chi did not have an impact on impairment , functional limitations , or disability in pre clinical ly disabled older people when delivered for 24 weeks . Withdrawal from the exercise classes was high but did not explain the null result . Improved compliance , or a longer or more intensive program , may be required
High test-retest reliability was found for the Function component , while results for the Disability component were more variable .
Conclusions There is extensive evidence to support the construct validity and sensitivity to change of the LLFDI among various clinical population s of community-dwelling older adults .
Background The choice of measure for use as a primary outcome in geriatric research is contingent upon the construct of interest and evidence for its psychometric properties .
The Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument ( LLFDI ) has been widely used to assess functional limitations and disability in studies with older adults .
The primary aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the current available evidence for the psychometric properties of the LLFDI .