Assessing gait efficacy in older adults: An analysis using item response theory.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Assessing confidence in walking in older adults is important, as mobility is a critical aspect of independence and function, and self-report provides complementary information to performance-based measures. The modified Gait Efficacy Scale (mGES) is a self-report measure used to examine confidence in walking.

Research question

What are the psychometric properties of the mGES at the item level? Are there opportunities for improvement?

Methods

We performed a secondary analysis of baseline data from a cluster randomized trial of 424 community-dwelling older adults and reliability data from 123 participants. We fitted a graded response model to dissect the mGES to the item and individual response level and examined opportunities to improve and possible shorten

SUBMITTER: Perera S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7061088 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature