Effects of Multimodal Exercise With Augmented Reality on Cognition in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the effects of an exercise intervention using multimodal exercise with augmented reality and multimodal exercise-only on cognitive function in older adults living in a community dwelling. DESIGN: Quasi-experimental research study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: In this control study, 78 participants were divided into 2 experimental groups (with sessions 3 times a week for 12 weeks) and a control group (CG). METHODS: EG1 participated in a multimodal exercise-only intervention program, EG2 participated in a multimodal exercise program with augmented reality exergames, and CG continued its usual activities. Participants were assessed at baseline and postintervention after 12 weeks. RESULTS: Comparison between baseline and postintervention at 12 weeks showed significant improvements in executive functions, verbal fluency, choice reaction time, and dual task in EG1, whereas there were improvements in general cognition, executive functions, verbal fluency, discrimination reaction time, and depression in EG2 (P ≤ .05). The clinical effect sizes of the interventions were large for overall cognition, executive functions, and reaction time on single- and dual-task reaction time in EG1 and for overall cognition, executive functions, and verbal fluency in EG2. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: The intervention programs showed significant improvements in several cognitive domains. The multimodal exercise-only showed improvements in more variables than the multimodal exercise with augmented reality, but the augmented reality group showed greater changes between baseline and postintervention.

Validity and reliability of a ruler drop test to measure dual-task reaction time, choice reaction time and discrimination reaction time.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the absolute and relative reliability of the Ruler Drop Test (RDT) for assessing dual-task, choice, and discrimination reaction time. In addition, the construct validity of the RDT is examined in comparison to the Deary-Liewald reaction time (DLRT). METHODS: Tests were administered by the same evaluator, one week apart. Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC3.1) was used to measure relative reliability, and the standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC95) were used to measure absolute reliability. Spearman correlation test was used to measure construct validity. RESULTS: The results showed that the relative reliability was good for the choice ruler drop (ICC = 0.81), moderate for the dual-task ruler drop test (ICC = 0.70) and discrimination ruler drop test (ICC = 0.72), and good for simple ruler drop test. However, the simple ruler drop test had poor reliability (ICC = 0.57). The RDT shows construct validity compared to the DLRT. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the RDT is a suitable instrument for measuring dual-task, choice and discrimination reaction time. Future studies should explore the reliability of these measures in other populations.

Translation and Psychometric Properties of the Portuguese Version of the Timed Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (TIADL).

(1) Background: to examine the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the Timed Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (TIADL) in nursing home residents. (2) Methods: Fifty-two participants (85.8 ± 4.2 years) were assessed on two occasions, 10-14 days apart. The same rater administered all assessments. Internal consistency was analysed through Cronbach's α. The reliability was estimated using the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), and the standard error of the mean (SEM) was used to estimate the minimal detectable change (MDC). Construct validity was determined by Spearman's correlation coefficients. (3) Results: For internal consistency, Cronbach's α (0.81) revealed high internal reliability. All of the subtests demonstrated good or excellent reliability and also presented acceptable measurement precision, considering the criterion SEM < SD/2. According to Spearman's rho, correlations with the Portuguese version of the TIADL, the Useful Field of View test, and semantic and phonemic fluency tests were significant, with moderate positive and negative correlations (0.4 < rs < 0.69). (4) Conclusions: The Portuguese version of the TIADL had good to excellent test-retest reliability (ICC > 0.90) and acceptable measurement precision. This test could be a valuable clinical tool for assessing actual performance in instrumental activities of daily living in nursing home residents.

Child Psychomotricity: Development, Assessment, and Intervention.

Psychomotricity addresses the interactions between psychic functions, motor (and biological) functions, and motor behavior (gestures, posture, attitude, physical activity, and motor skills) [...].

Body-oriented interventions to promote preschoolers' social-emotional competence: a quasi-experimental study.

Introduction: Social-emotional competence is foundational to children's health and well-being. Body-oriented interventions, such as relaxation or play based interventions, have been shown to promote social-emotional competence, however more studies are needed to better understand the specific benefits of each type of body-oriented approach. Objective: The present study aimed to examine the chronic and the acute effects of three body-oriented intervention programs (loose parts play, relaxation and combining loose parts play and relaxation) on preschoolers' social-emotional competence. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was carried out, including 62 preschoolers (4.44 ± 0.93 years) that were allocated into 4 groups: Loose Parts Play program (n = 17); Relaxation program (n = 17); Combined program (n = 13); and Waitlist Control Group (no intervention; n = 15). All three intervention programs had a 12-week duration, with biweekly sessions of 30-min, implemented in the preschool outdoors. To examine the chronic effects of the intervention programs, all instruments (parents' and preschool teacher's questionnaires, tasks and saliva) were collected at baseline and after the 12-week period. To examine the acute effects, saliva samples were collected immediately before and after the 1st and the 24th sessions, with a total of 4 collections per child. Results: Both loose parts play and relaxation interventions significantly improved (p < 0.05) children's positive emotion expression. Several within-groups changes were found for the Loose parts play, Relaxation and Combined programs. Conclusion: Body-oriented interventions effectively promote preschoolers' social-emotional competence.

OUT to IN: a body-oriented intervention program to promote preschoolers' self-regulation and relationship skills in the outdoors.

Introduction: Time for movement and outdoor experiences has decreased in children's daily lives. Nevertheless, a growing body of research has shown that body-oriented interventions and outdoor time benefit preschoolers' social-emotional development, a foundation for mental health. OUT to IN is a body-oriented intervention program implemented outdoors, designed to promote preschoolers' social-emotional competence. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of OUT to IN on preschoolers' self-regulation and relationship skills. Methods: A cluster randomized trial with multi-method and multi-informant assessment was implemented including 233 children between 3 and 6 years (122 boys, Mage = 5.07 years), from 4 preschools (8 groups with OUT to IN intervention, 4 groups without intervention - control group). The 153 children allocated to the OUT to IN group participated in biweekly sessions for 10 weeks. OUT to IN sessions followed a body-oriented approach comprising exercise play, relaxation, and symbolization activities, implemented outdoors by a psychomotor therapist and the preschool teacher. Sessions enabled children to feel, observe and control their bodily states and understand the relationship between their bodies and emotions. Teachers participated in a brief course and on 20 biweekly relaxation sessions. Children's self-regulation was measured through specific tasks and a parent questionnaire. Relationship skills (i.e., empathy, communication, cooperation and sociability) were measured through parents' and preschool teachers' questionnaires. Mann-Whitney test was used to study differences at baseline between the OUT to IN group and the control group, and to study differences in the 10-week changes between both groups. Wilcoxon Test was used for intragroup comparisons. Results: After the 10-week intervention period, children who participated in OUT to IN showed significant improvements on self-regulation and relationship skills (empathy, cooperation and sociability), in comparison to the control group who did not show any significant improvements. Large size effects (η2 > 0.14) were found for most of the variables related to self-regulation and small (η2 > 0.01), medium (η2 > 0.06) and large size effects (η2 > 0.14) were found for the variables related to relationship skills. Conclusion: OUT to IN showed to be an effective body-oriented intervention program in improving children's self-regulation and relationship skills, which are recognized foundations for mental health and well-being.

Feel-Own-Move: a psychomotor therapy program for victims of intimate partner violence living in shelter homes. Feasibility and effects on mental health, bodily dissociation, and quality of life.

Introduction: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a worldwide concern, impacting victims' mental health, physical health, and quality of life. High rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, bodily dissociation, and somatic symptoms have been found in victims of IPV, with an important impact on the chronicity of impairments and on the outcomes of psychological interventions. Therapeutic interventions available in shelter homes for victims are scarce in addressing their body-mind needs therefore asking for better empirical research. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and effects of Feel-Own-Move (FOM), an 8-week psychomotor therapy program for victims of IPV, on their mental health, levels of bodily dissociation, and general quality of life. Methods: A within-subject repeated measures design was used to evaluate the intervention effects, and feasibility results were analyzed. Results: Seventeen women completed the program (mean age 42.8 years, range 21-64). Results showed a significant decrease in levels of bodily dissociation, with FOM having a large effect size. The intervention also had a large effect size at increasing the environment domain of quality of life, although no statistically significant differences were found. FOM ended with excellent rates of reach, adherence, acceptability, and satisfaction. A positive retention rate was also found. Discussion: In conclusion, FOM seems to be a feasible psychomotor therapy intervention for female victims of IPV living in shelters. Importantly, this program showed to be effective in reducing bodily dissociation among participants, which is suggested to prospectively contribute to their mental health and quality of life.

Relationship between Product and Process Characteristics of Handwriting Skills of Children in the Second Grade of Elementary School.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between the quality and speed of handwriting and the process characteristics of the handwriting of children in the second grade of elementary school considered as a function of age and gender. A sample of 57 children (mean age 7.25 years, SD 0.43) participated in the study. The Concise Assessment Method for Children's Handwriting (BHK) was used to assess the quality and speed of handwriting. The characteristics of the process of handwriting were assessed using MovAlyzeR® software. The handwriting of boys showed a significantly greater number of strokes and slanted more to the right than the handwriting of girls. Handwriting quality and speed significantly correlated with several process characteristics: the number of strokes, reaction time, duration, relative pen-down duration, average pen pressure, vertical size, horizontal size, road length, and average absolute velocity. This research contributes to the construction of normative values in the process characteristics of the handwriting of elementary school children and provides a promising step towards the early identification of difficulties that can lead to dysgraphia, thus preventing later difficulties in handwriting.

Association Between Neuropsychological Functions and Activities of Daily Living in People with Mild Cognitive Impairment.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between performance in neurocognitive variables and daily functioning (basic or b- and instrumental or i-ADL) in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). METHODS: A sample of 157 participants with MCI (73.65 ± 7.58 years) completed a battery of tests for assessing ADL and cognitive functions. t-test, Pearson's correlation and multiple linear regression (backward stepwise selection) were used for data analyses. RESULTS: Significant correlations were found between b- and i-ADL, and several neuropsychological tests (p < .01). Multivariate analysis showed that difficulties in Blessed Rating Scales (BLS) explained 33.2% of the variation in b-ADL and that this variation rises to 42.9% when BLS is associated with Frontal Assessment Battery Flexibility, Trail Making Test A (TMT-A) and BLS Personality. For i-ADL, BLS and Dementia Rating Scale Total (DRS-T) explained 47.7% of the variation and the inclusion in the model of BLS, DRS-IP (Initiation/Perseveration), TMT-A and BLS Personality explained 53.5% of this variation. Executive functions explained 24.8% of the variation in i-ADL. CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive functions are related to i- and b-ADL in people with MCI. The general indicators and those that assess executive functions and verbal- or visual-spatial memory should be considered to predict i-ADL.

"a felicidade é uma coisa que os olhos transmitem". percepções sobre conexões sociais em pessoas idosas praticantes de exercícios físicos / "happines is a thing that the eyes transmit." perceptions about social connections in older people who practice physical exercises / "la felicida es una cosa que transmiten los ojos." percepciones sobre conexiones sociales en ancianos que practican ejercicios físicos

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar as percepções das pessoas idosas sobre as características que contribuíram para as conexões sociais em um programa de exercícios físicos sistematizados. Para isso, utilizou-se da abordagem qualitativa e foram entrevistados 18 participantes após um programa de 16 semanas de treino. Foi realizada uma entrevista presencial, a partir de um roteiro com questões semiestruturadas. Os dados foram analisados pelo método de Análise Temática. Foram identificados quatro temas gerais: a) motivação extrínseca, b) características do grupo, c) características pessoais, e d)características profissionais. Além disso, foram identificados alguns atributos, como ter pessoas conhecidas nos programas, estar em grupo de participantes com idades próximas, estar aberto ao diálogo e ter profissionais com características socioafetivas como comunicação, empatia, entre outros, que podem influenciar na percepção de conexões sociais durante o exercício físico, potencializando seus benefícios e contribuindo para uma vida mais ativa.

Abstract The aim of this study was to verify the older people's perceptions about the characteristics that contributed to the social connections in a systematic physical exercises program. For this, a qualitative method was used, and 18 participants were interviewed after a 16-week training program. A face-to-face interview was carried out, based on a script with semi-structured questions. The data was analyzed using the Thematic Analysis method. Four general themes were identified: a) extrinsic motivation, b) group characteristics, c) personal characteristics, and d) professional characteristics. Furthermore, some attributes were identified, such as identify familiar people in the programs, belong in a group of participants with similar age, be open to dialogue and have professionals with socio-affective characteristics such as communication, empathy, among others, which can influence the perception of social connections during physical exercise, enhancing its benefits and contributing to a physically active life.

Resumen El objetivo de este estudio fue verificar las percepciones de las personas mayores sobre las características que contribuyen a las conexiones sociales en un programa sistematizado de ejercicio físico. Para eso, se utilizó un enfoque cualitativo y se entrevistó a 18 participantes después de un programa de entrenamiento físico de 16 semanas. Se realizó una entrevista cara a cara, basada en un guion con preguntas semiestructuradas. Los datos fueron analizados mediante el método de Análisis Temático. Se identificaron cuatro temas generales: a) motivación extrínseca, b) características grupales, c) características personales y d) características profesionales. Además, se identificaron algunos atributos como tener personas conocidas en los programas, estar en un grupo de participantes de edades cercanas, estar abiertos al diálogo y contar con profesionales con características socioafectivas como comunicación, empatía, entre otras, que pueden influyen en la percepción de las conexiones sociales durante el ejercicio físico, potenciando sus beneficios y contribuyendo a una vida más activa.

Which Types of Body-Oriented Interventions Promote Preschoolers' Social-Emotional Competence? A Systematic Review.

There has been a recent increase in body-oriented interventions implemented in educational contexts. Body-oriented interventions are grounded on the body-mind relationship, involving body and movement awareness and expression. In this systematic review of the literature on body-oriented interventions implemented in preschool contexts, we review the scope and quality of the quantitative evidence of each type of body-oriented intervention regarding social-emotional competence. Seven databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs. Seven core body-oriented intervention programs were found (e.g., play, relaxation, and psychomotricity). Play programs were the most studied and appear to be the most effective to improve social-emotional competence. Nevertheless, the level of scientific evidence was compromised by the lack of studies with high methodological quality.

Phase Angle as a Predictor for Physical Function in Institutionalized Independent Older Adults.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between phase angle (PhA) and physical function in institutionalized, independent older adults. Physical function was evaluated using the Senior Fitness Test Battery. PhA was measured by electrical bioimpedance at 50 khz, and body composition parameters were also registered. Results showed that PhA significantly correlated with all physical fitness tests, except for arm curls. Regarding the results of the multivariate analysis, three models were created: Model 1, formed by a dependent variable "PhA" and two predictor variables "8 ft up-and-go" and "6 min walk"; Model 2, formed by a dependent variable "PhA" and three predictor variables "8 ft up-and-go", "6 min walk" and "30-s chair stand"; and Model 3, formed by a dependent variable "PhA" and four predictor variables "8 ft up-and-go", "6 min walk", "30-s chair stand" and "arm curl". Results showed that predictor variables had a significant influence on the PhA for all three models (Model 1: p = 0.001, 12.5%; Model 2: p = 0.002, 12.9%; and Model 3: p = 0.005, 13.1%). For women, Model 1 showed a significant influence of predictor variables on the PhA (p = 0.030, 9.3%). The results for men in Models 1, 2 and 3 showed significant influences on the PhA (p = 0.002, 31.2%; p = 0.006, 31.6%; and p = 0.016, 31.6%; respectively). This study confirmed previous studies regarding to the relationship between PhA and physical function. It also indicates that PhA could be an excellent predictor of physical function.

Acute Effects of Augmented Reality Exergames versus Cycle Ergometer on Reaction Time, Visual Attention, and Verbal Fluency in Community Older Adults.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate the acute effects of an augmented reality session and a cycle ergometer session compared to no exercise on the reaction times, cognitive flexibility, and verbal fluency of older adults. METHODS: Each participant did a familiarization with cognitive tests and the following three sessions: cycle ergometer, no exercise (control group), and augmented reality exergame (Portable Exergame Platform for Elderly) sessions. The participants were randomized in a within-group design into one of six possible combinations. Each moment had a 30 min duration, and after the session, the participants performed a Trail Making Test, a verbal fluency test, and a Deary-Liewald reaction time task. The data were analyzed with a one-way ANOVA with a Bonferroni adjustment. RESULTS: The analysis between the no exercise, cycle ergometer, and augmented reality sessions showed no significant differences in the cognitive measurements. CONCLUSIONS: One session of the cycle ergometer exercise or the augmented reality exergames does not acutely improve the reaction times, cognitive flexibility, or verbal fluency in the elderly.

Physical and Motor Fitness Tests for Older Adults Living in Nursing Homes: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review aimed to identify the physical/motor fitness tests for nursing home residents and to examine their psychometric properties. Electronic databases were searched for articles published between January 2005 and October 2021 using MeSh terms and relevant keywords. Of the total of 4196 studies identified, 3914 were excluded based on title, abstracts, or because they were duplicates. The remaining 282 studies were full-text analyzed, and 41 were excluded, resulting in 241 studies included in the review. The most common physical component assessed was muscle strength; 174 (72.2%) studies assessed this component. Balance (138 studies, 57.3%) and agility (102 studies, 42.3%) were the second and third components, respectively, most widely assessed. In this review, we also describe the most used assessment tests for each physical/motor component. Some potentially relevant components such as manual dexterity and proprioception have been little considered. There are few studies assessing the psychometric properties of the tests for nursing home residents, although the data show that, in general, they are reliable. This review provides valuable information to researchers and health-care professionals regarding the physical/motor tests used in nursing home residences, helping them select the screening tools that could most closely fit their study objectives.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Daily Life, Physical Exercise, and General Health among Older People with Type 2 Diabetes: A Qualitative Interview Study.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant alterations to and implications for the lives of millions of people, and especially for those with pre-existing medical conditions. The aim of this study was to explore the lived experience of older people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) throughout the first 9 months of the pandemic, with emphasis on the habits of physical exercise. We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. The data consist of telephone interviews of seventeen older people with T2DM (10 women and 7 men, aged 62-76 years). Using thematic analysis, five themes were generated: (1) an altered social and relational life; (2) changes in routine and attitude regarding physical activity behaviour; (3) home-related activities gained relevance; (4) health and well-being impact and management; and (5) thoughts about the post-pandemic period. The increase in the number of cases and the fear of becoming infected with COVID-19 limited the social (i.e., contact with family and/or friends) and functional (i.e., daily routine, the habit of exercising) lives of these people, reverberating negatively on their health and well-being. Feelings of isolation, loneliness, anxiety were common. The findings of this study help to better understand the impact of the pandemic and determine areas of need for future interventions. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary to provide support for older people with T2DM and tackle the negative effect of the pandemic, including the reduction in physical activity.

Creative dance associated with traditional Portuguese singing as a strategy for active aging: a comparative cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Multimodal forms of exercise can influence several physical and mental factors important for successful aging. In the present study, we introduce a new type of multimodal intervention, combining movement (creative dance) with traditional singing. This study aims to compare physical fitness, functional physical independence, depressive symptoms, general cognitive status, and daytime sleepiness among older adults participating in multimodal exercise, those participating in traditional physical exercise, and those not actively engaged in physical exercise. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 112 people aged ≥ 65 years (75.3 ± 0.7 years) living independently in the community, divided into 3 groups: multimodal exercise (n = 34), traditional exercise (n = 41), and no physical exercise (n = 37). RESULTS: The multimodal exercise group showed greater flexibility of the lower limbs and upper limbs/shoulders and better general cognitive status than the traditional exercise group (p < 0.05). The traditional exercise group had better agility and dynamic balance, aerobic endurance, and strength of the lower and upper limbs than the no-exercise group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the two types of programs studied may have different impacts on some of the variables investigated and support the design of future experimental studies that include interventions based on the combination of creative dance and traditional Portuguese singing.

Embodiment-related risk factors for Posttraumatic Stress, Anxiety and Depression in female victims of intimate partner violence.

A central notion in the field of embodiment is that body sensorimotor processes and body mental representations influence emotion, cognition and behavior. By affecting the body, intimate partner violence (IPV) can leave victims with a fragile self, and significant physical and mental health problems. In this study, we aim to examine embodiment-related variables and mental health of female victims of IPV, as well as the impact of embodiment on mental health. A total of 38 female victims of IPV (mean age 40.3 ± 10.9 years) were recruited from shelters and the community. The study assessed the levels of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Anxiety and Depression, and abilities of Movement Imagery, Interoceptive Accuracy, Interoceptive Sensibility, Body Ownership and Bodily Dissociation. Univariate, bivariate and binary regression analysis were used. PTSD, Anxiety and Depression were highly prevalent among our sample, alongside with altered values of body ownership and interoception. All three mental health disorders were significantly correlated with interoceptive self-regulation, interoceptive trusting, and bodily dissociation. For this group of women, each unit rise in the bodily dissociation scale increased two and six times the risk for developing Depression and Anxiety, respectively. The embodiment of female victims of IPV is altered, and higher bodily dissociation can be a risk factor for the development of mental health problems. Restoration of embodiment-related functions could be important for the victims to overcome the negative effects of violent relationships.

Effects of two 24-week multimodal exercise programs on reaction time, mobility, and dual-task performance in community-dwelling older adults at risk of falling: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Falls in older adults are considered a major public health problem. Declines in cognitive and physical functions, as measured by parameters including reaction time, mobility, and dual-task performance, have been reported to be important risk factors for falls. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of two multimodal programs on reaction time, mobility, and dual-task performance in community-dwelling older adults at risk of falling. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, fifty-one participants (75.4 ± 5.6 years) were allocated into two experimental groups (EGs) (with sessions 3 times per week for 24 weeks), and a control group: EG1 was enrolled in a psychomotor intervention program, EG2 was enrolled in a combined exercise program (psychomotor intervention program + whole-body vibration program), and the control group maintained their usual daily activities. The participants were assessed at baseline, after the intervention, and after a 12-week no-intervention follow-up period. RESULTS: The comparisons revealed significant improvements in mobility and dual-task performance after the intervention in EG1, while there were improvements in reaction time, mobility, and dual-task performance in EG2 (p ≤ 0.05). The size of the interventions' clinical effect was medium in EG1 and ranged from medium to large in EG2. The comparisons also showed a reduction in the fall rate in both EGs (EG1: -44.2%; EG2: - 63.0%, p ≤ 0.05) from baseline to post-intervention. The interventions' effects on reaction time, mobility, and dual-task performance were no longer evident after the 12-week no-intervention follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that multimodal psychomotor programs were well tolerated by community-dwelling older adults and were effective for fall prevention, as well as for the prevention of cognitive and physical functional decline, particularly if the programs are combined with whole-body vibration exercise. The discontinuation of these programs could lead to the fast reversal of the positive outcomes achieved. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03446352. Date of registration: February 07, 2018.

Psychometric properties of a computerized and hand-reaction time tests in older adults using long-term facilities with and without mild cognitive impairment.

The aim of this study was to determine the absolute and relative reliability and validity of two reaction time (RT) tests in older adults using long-term facility: the ruler drop test (RDT, a simple RT) and the Deary-Liewald RT task (DLRT, simple and four-choice RT). Participants (≥65 years old) using long-term facilities were distributed into a group without cognitive impairment (GWCI, n = 41), and a group with mild cognitive impairment (GCI, n = 32). The tests were administered one week apart, by the same evaluator. Relative reliability was measured by the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC3.1), absolute reliability by the standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC95) and convergent validity by the Pearson correlation. The results showed that the relative reliability was good for the RDT (GWCI, ICC = 0.84; GCI, ICC = 0.80) and moderate for the Deary Liewald RT simple (DLRT-S) (GWCI, ICC = 0.61; GCI, ICC = 0.65). The relative reliability of the Deary Liewald RT choice (DLRT-C) was good (ICC = 0.89) for the GWCI and excellent (ICC = 0.93) for the GCI. However, the DLRT-C had low feasibility in the GCI, as most participants were unable to complete the test. Measurement precision was acceptable for the RDT and DLRT-C (GWCI) and for the DLRT-C (GCI). There were no significant associations between the RDT and DLRT scores. We conclude that the RDT could be more suitable than the DLRT-S for assessing simple RT in older adults. Future studies should explore if fewer than the four stimulus-response alternatives used in the DLRT-C could be more appropriate for assessing choice RT in older adults with cognitive impairment.

Test-retest reliability of the functional reach test and the hand grip strength test in older adults using nursing home services.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the absolute and relative test-retest reliability of the functional reach test (FRT) and the handgrip strength test (HGST) in older adults using nursing homes. METHODS: Participants (≥ 65 years old), living in nursing homes or using their day care services, were distributed into a group without cognitive impairment (GWCI, n = 43) and a group with mild cognitive impairment (GCI; n = 22). A 1-week test-retest was performed for the FRT and the HGST. Relative reliability was measured by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC3.1), and absolute reliability by the standard error of measurement (SEM), minimal detectable change (MDC95), and Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS: The ICC showed high reliability for the FRT (GWCI, ICC = 0.83; GCI, ICC = 0.87) and the HGST (ICC ≥ 0.95 in both hands and participant groups). The absolute reliability was good: FRT, SEM = 2.96/2.29, MDC95 = 8.20/6.35 for the GWCI and the GCI, respectively; HGST dominant hand SEM = 1.26/0.82, MDC95 = 3.50/2.29, and HGST non-dominant hand SEM = 1.05/0.80, MDC95 = 2.90/2.21, for the GWCI and the GCI, respectively. Bland-Altman showed that there was not a systematic bias for the tests in both groups. DISCUSSION: Findings show that the FRT and the HGST are reliable, have acceptable measurement error, and may be used for research and clinical purposes to assess functional balance and strength of the hands in older adults using nursing homes.