Short Physical Performance Battery

  • Administration time: 10 minutes
  • Measures lower extremity physical performance
  • Predicts mortality and disability
* Items marked with a star (*) must be completely assessed.
Balance Tests*
Instructions
  1. Explain and demonstrate each stance before asking the participant to try it.
  2. Stand close enough to provide minimal support for safety, then release when timing begins.
  3. Say "Ready, begin" and time up to 10 seconds for each stance.
  4. Stop timing if the participant steps out of position or grabs support.
  5. If side-by-side is not held for 10 seconds, end balance testing. If semi-tandem is not held for 10 seconds, do not proceed to tandem.
10-Second Hold Timer
00:10.0
Use for side-by-side and semi-tandem holds.
Side-by-side stand (10 seconds)
Held for 10 seconds
Not held for 10 seconds or not attempted
Gait Speed Test*
Instructions
  1. Use a 3-meter, 4-meter, or 5-meter course and have the participant start with both feet at the start line.
  2. Instruct: "Walk at your usual speed all the way past the end line."
  3. Say "Ready, begin" and start timing as walking begins.
  4. Stop timing when one foot completely crosses the end line.
  5. Perform two walks when possible and score the faster valid time. If only one walk is completed, score using that time.
  6. Cane or usual walking aid can be used if needed.
Was the participant able to complete the gait speed test?
Yes, at least one walk time is available
No, unable to complete gait speed testing
Chair Stand Test*
Instructions
  1. Single chair stand: ask if it is safe, then have the participant rise once with arms folded across the chest.
  2. If unable to stand without using arms, end chair stand testing and score 0.
  3. If single stand is successful, perform repeated chair stands (5 times) as quickly as possible with arms folded.
  4. Start timing on "Ready? Stand" and stop when fully upright after the fifth stand.
  5. Stop early if arms are used, safety concerns arise, participant cannot continue, or 60 seconds is exceeded.
Single chair stand result
Participant stood without using arms
Participant used arms or test was not completed
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Key references

  • Guralnik JM, Simonsick EM, Ferrucci L, Glynn RJ, Berkman LF, Blazer DG, Scherr PA, Wallace RB. A short physical performance battery assessing lower extremity function: association with self-reported disability and prediction of mortality and nursing home admission. J Gerontol. 1994 Mar;49(2):M85-94. doi: 10.1093/geronj/49.2.m85. PMID: 8126356.
  • Guralnik JM, Ferrucci L, Simonsick EM, Salive ME, Wallace RB. Lower-extremity function in persons over the age of 70 years as a predictor of subsequent disability. N Engl J Med. 1995 Mar 2;332(9):556-61. doi: 10.1056/NEJM199503023320902. PMID: 7838189; PMCID: PMC9828188.
  • https://sppbguide.com/