Is there a correlation between self-reported level of activity and observed physical performance in elderly women?

Abstract

The aim of the study was to verify the degree of association between self-reported level of physical activity and observed physical performance of aged women. Thirty-seven women (mean aged 72.7±5.99 years old) were selected by looking up admission records in a reference centre for physical rehabilitation. The Human Activity Profile (HAP) was used to measure activity level; and, for direct observation of physical performance, the six-minute walk test (6MWT) and the 30-second chair-stand test were applied. A statistically significant (p=0.01), weak positive correlation (r=0.41) was found between HAP scores and 6MWT values; and an association trend was noticed between the classification of activity level and the 6MWT variable (p=0.08). Also, a significant (p=0.02), weak positive correlation (r=0.36) was found between HAP scores and results of the 30-second chair stand test. It may be said there is a correlation, though weak, between self-reported and observed levels of physical performance among the elderly here studied. Further research should address aged community dwellers - not only rehabilitation patients - in order to assess a possible under or overestimation of the physical activity level in self-reported evaluations.