Seated push-up tests: Reliable and valid measures for older individuals when used by primary healthcare providers

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Chokphukiao, Pakwipa^{a; b; c} | Poncumhak, Puttipong^{a; b; d; e; 1} | Thaweewannakij, Thiwabhorn^{a; b} | Intaruk, Roongnapa^{a; b} | Amatachaya, Sugalya^{a; b; *}

Affiliations: [a] School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand | [b] Improvement of Physical Performance and Quality of Life (IPQ) Research Group, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand | [c] Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand | [d] Department of Physical Therapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand | [e] Unit of Excellence of Human Performance and Rehabilitations, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author: Sugalya Amatachaya, School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand. E-mail: [email protected].

Note: [1] Co-first author.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Body composition decline, lower limb impairments, and mobility deficits affect independence of older people. The exploration for a practical measure involving upper extremities may offer an alternative tool to be used by primary healthcare (PHC) providers for these individuals. OBJECTIVE: To explore reliability and validity of seated push-up tests (SPUTs) among older participants when used by PHC providers. METHODS: Older participants (n= 146) with an average age of > 70 years were cross-sectionally assessed using various demanding forms of SPUTs and standard measures to assess validity of the SPUTs. Reliability of the SPUTs were assessed in nine PHC raters, including an expert, health professionals, village health volunteers, and care givers. RESULTS: The SPUTs demonstrated very good agreement, with excellent rater and test-retest reliability (kappa values > 0.87 and ICCs > 0.93, p< 0.001). Moreover, the SPUT outcomes significantly correlated with lean body mass, bone mineral contents, muscle strength and mobility of older participants (r, rp⁢b=-0.270 to 0.758, p< 0.05). CONCLUSION: SPUTs are reliable and valid for older adults when used by PHC members. The incorporation of such practical measures is particularly important during this COVID-19 pandemic with limited people’s hospital access.

Keywords: Clinical measure, community service, caregiver, primary healthcare, mobility

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-220040

Journal: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 36, no. 4, pp. 871-882, 2023