The latest publication from the Neuromotor Function and Training research group by Labott et al., 2026, focuses on improving the established “Short Physical Performance Battery” (SPPB) test for assessing physical performance in older adults.
The SPPB is frequently used to assess the physical functioning of older adults and includes, among other things, a 4-meter walk test. The problem: The original scoring criteria were developed for healthy, independent older adults and are therefore often not well-suited for nursing home residents who require care and have multiple chronic conditions.
Based on data from three randomized controlled trials involving a total of 593 nursing home residents (including PROGRESS), an adapted scoring system has now been proposed. The new cut-off values account for slower walking speeds and allow for a more nuanced distinction even in cases of low physical performance.
The study thus makes an important contribution to the more precise assessment of functional changes in vulnerable older adults, for example in the context of rehabilitation measures or training interventions in inpatient care.