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 .
Measuring disability and function in older women: psychometric properties of the late-life function and disability instrument.
BACKGROUND The recent development of the Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument ( LL-FDI ) was an important contribution to the measurement of function and disability in older adults . The present study examined the psychometric properties and construct validity of the LL-FDI measure in a sample of older women . METHODS Older black ( n = 81 ) and white ( n = 168 ) women completed the LL-FDI  , several measures of physical function , and physical activity measures , and had their body mass index assessed at baseline of an ongoing prospect i ve study . Confirmatory factor analyses ( CFA ) and correlational analyses were used to examine factorial and construct validity of the measure . RESULTS The CFA , using an iterative model modification technique , result ed in an acceptable 15-item solution for the function component and an 8-item solution for the disability component . This abbreviated instrument demonstrated high correlations with the original scales . Construct validity for the LL-FDI was supported . Participants who demonstrated better physical function , reported being more active , and had lower body mass index reported less disability and less difficulty with function on the LL-FDI . CONCLUSIONS The LL-FDI appears to be an effective instrument for assessing function and disability in older women , and the abbreviated version reported here may prove useful in certain circumstances due to its brevity . However , continued determination of the construct validity of the complete and abbreviated scales is recommended
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 .