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Background: Performance-based tests for patients with anterior shoulder dislocation are lacking. This study determined the reliability and validity of the supine moving apprehension test designed to assess the ability to control anterior instability loads. Methods: Thirty-six participants were recruited (18 healthy individuals, and 18 patients following anterior shoulder dislocation). Healthy participants performed the supine moving apprehension test on 2 separate occasions to determine test-retest reliability. Patients completed the supine moving apprehension test and the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability index before and 6 months after surgical stabilization of their shoulder. The presence of anterior apprehension was also documented post-operatively. Results: The supine moving apprehension test demonstrated good test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.74-0.84). Patients performed 18-30 repetitions less than healthy individuals during the supine moving apprehension test (P < 0.01). A strong correlation was found between supine moving apprehension test scores and Western Ontario Shoulder Instability post-operatively (r = -0.74, P ≤ 0.01). Supine moving apprehension test scores significantly improved among patients following surgery (P < 0.01). Patients with a negative apprehension test post-operatively performed the supine moving apprehension test significantly better than patients with a positive apprehension test (P < 0.01). Conclusions: The supine moving apprehension test is reliable and valid among patients with anterior shoulder dislocation and may serve to assess patients' ability to control shoulder anterior instability loads.

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Background: While the potential of physical performance tests as screening tools for sarcopenia is evident, limited information on relevant reference values for sarcopenia detection. In this study, we aimed to establish the prospective relationship between physical performance tests, including time up and go (TUG), functional reach (FR), gait speed (GS), and hand grip strength (HGS) with five-year sarcopenia risk and to determine suitable cut-off values for screening activities. Method: This was a prospective study utilizing data from the Malaysian Elders Longitudinal Research (MELoR) study, which involved community-dwelling older adults aged 55 years and above at recruitment. Baseline (2013-2015) and wave 3 (2019) data were analyzed. Sarcopenia risk was determined using the strength, assistance walking, rising from a chair, climbing stairs, and falls (SARC-F) tool, with SARC-F ≥ 4 indicating sarcopenia. Baseline physical performance test scores were dichotomized using ROC-determined cut-offs. Result: Data were available from 774 participants with mean age of 68.13 (SD = 7.13) years, 56.7% women. Cut-offs values for reduced GS, TUG, FR, and HGS were: <0.7 m/s (72.9% sensitivity and 53% specificity), >11.5 s (74.2%; 57.2%), <22.5 cm (73%; 54.2%) and HGS male <22 kg (70.0%; 26.7%) and female <17 kg (70.0%; 20.3%) respectively. Except for FR = 1.76 (1.01-3.06), GS = 2.29 (1.29-4.06), and TUG = 1.77 (1.00-3.13) were associated with increased sarcopenia risk after adjustments for baseline demographics and sarcopenia. Conclusion: The defined cut-off values may be useful for the early detection of five-year sarcopenia risk in clinical and community settings. Despite HGS being a commonly used test to assess strength capacity in older adults, we advocate alternative strength measures, such as the sit-to-stand test, to be included in the assessment. Future studies should incorporate imaging modalities in the classification of sarcopenia to corroborate current study findings.

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The aim was to investigate the effects of sex, age, preferred judo technique, dominance, and injury history on the shoulder functional status of elite judo athletes. Sixty-one elite judo athletes (38 males, age: 18.1 ± 1.2 years, body mass: 69.3 ± 13.3 kg, body height: 172.2 ± 9.8 cm, brown belt to second-degree black belt) completed three questionnaires: Western Ontario Shoulder Instability, Western Ontario Rotator Cuff, and Shoulder Instability-Return to Sport after Injury. They performed four physical tests: the glenohumeral rotator isometric strength test, upper quarter Y-balance test, unilateral seated shot put test, and modified Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test. The results showed that the female athletes had less shoulder functional abilities than the male athletes (p < 0.001 to p = 0.02). The younger athletes had poorer shoulder stability and upper extremity power than the older athletes (p < 0.001 to p = 0.02), but their glenohumeral muscles were stronger in both internal (p = 0.03) and external (p = 0.005) rotations. All the judo athletes had similar bilateral differences in shoulder functional status, except for judokas who preferred throwing techniques (p = 0.01). Injury history affected self-perceived functional status (p < 0.001), as well as upper extremity muscle capacity and neuromuscular control (p = 0.01 to p = 0.05). This study provides new insight into the shoulder functional status of elite judo athletes, which may aid in the development of sports-specific injury prevention and return-to-sport programmes to reduce the risk of shoulder injury occurrence and recurrence.HighlightsNormalized levels of upper extremity abilities must be sex- and age-specific in prevention programmes.Prevention programmes may focus on muscle bilateral and anteroposterior symmetry.Prevention programmes may include psychological training tailored to the sex of judo athletes.

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This cohort-based cross-sectional study compares the original (OV) and a newly developed standardized version (SV) of the Bunkie Test, a physical test used to assess the dorsal chain muscles. Twenty-three participants (13 females, 10 males; median age of 26 ± 3 years) performed the test, a reverse plank, with one foot on a stool and the contralateral leg lifted. In the SV, the position of the pelvis and the foot were predefined. The test performance time (s) and surface electromyography (sEMG) signals of the dorsal chain muscles were recorded. We performed a median power frequency (MPF) analysis, using short-time Fourier transformation, and calculated the MPF/time linear regression slope. We compared the slopes of the linear regression analysis (between legs) and the performance times (between the OV and SV) with the Wilcoxon test. Performance times did not differ between SV and OV for either the dominant (p = 0.28) or non-dominant leg (p = 0.08). Linear regression analysis revealed a negative slope for the muscles of the tested leg and contralateral erector spinae, with a significant difference between the biceps femoris of the tested (-0.91 ± 1.08) and contralateral leg (0.01 ± 1.62) in the SV (p = 0.004). The sEMG showed a clearer pattern in the SV than in the OV. Hence, we recommend using the SV to assess the structures of the dorsal chain of the tested leg and contralateral back.

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PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the falling incidence density and examine the potential risk factors associated with falling among women with breast cancer during taxane-based chemotherapy. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-three women with breast cancer participated in this study. The fall incidence density, taxane-induced peripheral neuropathy (TIPN) symptoms, and physical performance tests were evaluated at five time points throughout chemotherapy treatment. A fall diary was used to record fall incidence during treatment. The fall incidence density was calculated by dividing the number of first fall occurrences by person-time at risk. The risk factors associated with time to first fall were analyzed using the Cox proportional hazards model. The Kaplan-Meier curve illustrated the probability of survival from a fall during chemotherapy treatment. RESULTS: Over the course of treatment, 29 (23.58%) participants reported falls. The fall incidence density was 3 per 1000 person-day. This study discovered a significant link between age (adjusted HR (HRadj) = 1.07; 95% CI: 1.02-1.13) and BMI (HRadj = 1.11; 95% CI: 1.02-1.21) and falling. CONCLUSIONS: Women with breast cancer could fall for the first time at any time after starting chemotherapy until the end of the follow-up period. Furthermore, time to first fall was associated with age and BMI. Early detection of falling in women with breast cancer, particularly among older persons and those with a high BMI, may be essential to preventing falls.

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BACKGROUND: The Unilateral Seated Shot-Put Test (USSPT) consists of pushing an overweight ball as far as possible to assess upper extremity power unilaterally and bilateral symmetry. Literature however reports various body positions and upper limb pushing patterns to perform USSPT, demanding to provide additional guideline to achieve overweight ball push. This study therefore aimed at assessing the reliability and agreement of USSPT outcome measures when pushing an overweight ball in a horizontal direction. METHODS: Twenty-seven healthy male athletes performed two sessions, one week apart, of three unilateral pushes per upper limb using a 3-kg medicine ball, for which the distances were measured. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), minimum detectable change at a 95 % confidence level (MDC95 %) and coefficient of variation (CV) were assessed for the pushing distances based on one, two or three trials per side to produce two outcome measures: the pushing distance per limb and USSPT Limb Symmetry Index (LSI) when dividing pushing distance of the dominant side by that of the non-dominant side. RESULTS: The most reliable pushing distance per limb was obtained when averaging three pushing distances, normalized by body mass with the exponent 0.35. The mean USSPT LSI was 1.09 ± 0.10 for the first session and 1.08 ± 0.10 for the second session, highlighting good reliability and agreement (ICC = 0.82; SEM = 0.045; MDC95 % = 0.124; CV = 5.02 %). CONCLUSIONS: When the overweight ball is pushed in a horizontal direction, averaging the distances of three trials for both the dominant and non-dominant limbs is advised to provide the most reliable USSPT distance per limb and USSPT LSI.

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BACKGROUND: Physical performance tests provide a more complete picture of the functional status of the athlete's upper extremity. OBJECTIVES: The primary purpose was to evaluate the reliability of the Modified Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (MCKCUEST) in adolescent volleyball and basketball players. The secondary objective was to evaluate the relationship between the MCKCUEST and shoulder rotation isometric strength in this population. METHODS: Seventy-three healthy basketball (n=39) and volleyball (n=34) players participated to establish the reliability and correlations of the MCKCUEST. We used a two-session measurement design to evaluate the reliability of the MCKCUEST. Shoulder rotation isometric strength was performed to determine relationships with the MCKCUEST. RESULTS: The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC2,1) for intra-session reliability of the MCKCUEST ranged from 0.86 to 0.89, and the between days test-retest reliability (ICC3,1) was 0.93. The standard error of measurement (1 touch) and the minimal detectable change (3 touches) showed clinically acceptable absolute reliability values. A weak correlation was found between the MCKCUEST power score and shoulder rotation isometric strength (r values between 0.3 and 0.4). CONCLUSIONS: Results demonstrated good to excellent relative reliability and clinically acceptable absolute reliability values for the MCKCUEST on adolescent basketball and volleyball athletes. Performances on the MCKCUEST were weakly associated with shoulder rotation strength.

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OBJECTIVES: The primary purpose was to examine the reliability of a new shoulder physical performance test -the Shoulder Endurance Test (SET)- in young healthy overhead athletes and sedentary adults and to provide preliminary reference values. The secondary objective was to determine whether there are differences on SET scores based on groups, sides and days. The third objective was to evaluate the relationship between the SET and shoulder rotational isometric strength in both groups. DESIGN: Reliability and validity study. SETTING: Laboratory setting. PARTICIPANTS: A total sample of 92 participants volunteered to participate in this study (30 healthy overhead athletes - 62 sedentary adults). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We used a two-session measurement design separated by seven days to evaluate the reliability. We calculated intraclass correlation coefficients to determine relative reliability and used standard error of measurement and minimal detectable change to quantify absolute reliability. Systematic differences in SET scores between groups, days and sides were analysed with a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures. To check for systematic differences within groups between day 1 and day 2, a Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test was performed. Relationship between shoulder rotational isometric strength and the SET was determined using the Spearman Rank test (rs). RESULTS: Relative reliability was high to very high in both groups (intraclass correlation coefficient [2,1] range = 0.78-0.93) and absolute reliability was clinically acceptable. The standard error of measurement varied from 10.7 s to 16.45 s. The minimal detectable change ranged from 29.6 s to 45.6 s. Weak correlations were found between the SET and isometric shoulder rotational strength (rs range = 0.309-0.431). RESULTS: of the ANOVA for repeated measures showed a significant two-way interaction effect for day x groups (p = 0.020) and a significant main effect for side (p= < 0.001). Results of the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test showed no systematic differences in group 1 between day 1 and day 2 for both sides (p = 0.79 dominant side; p = 0.66 non-dominant side). CONCLUSIONS: The SET is a reliable clinically applicable shoulder physical performance test in young adult overhead athletes and sedentary adult.

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Objectives. The One-minute Sit-To-Stand Test (STST) is a relatively novel physical performance test in the field of pulmonology. It measures the exercise tolerance of the patient. In this pilot study, we evaluated its predictive value for the postoperative course in cardiac surgery patients. Design. This was a prospective observational cohort study of patients undergoing elective aortic valve replacement. STST was applied in the patients, along with pulmonary function testing, a day prior to surgery, on postoperative day 7, and 3 months after surgery. A Short Form-36 health related quality of life survey (SF-36) was also included. The patients were divided into two groups according to the preoperative STST outcome: group A (≤20 repetitions, n = 12), and group B (>20 repetitions, n = 18). Results. We enrolled 30 patients in the study between May 2017 and May 2019. No complication were observed during the STST. The standard perioperative measures were identical for both groups. However, group A exhibited a significantly longer artificial ventilation time, as well as worse pulmonary function (VC, FVC, TLCO), on postoperative day 7. Concerning the SF-36, group A displayed a worse pre- and postoperative evaluation in both physical functioning and vitality. Conclusions. STST is a short and practical physical performance test that could enable a better prediction of the postoperative course after cardiac surgery. Patients with lower preoperative STST performance may require longer postoperative artificial ventilation, as they may present worse in some parameters of pulmonary functions and quality of life. However, these findings must be corroborated in larger studies.

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OBJECTIVE: To compare baseline physical and cognitive performance, neurophysiological, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) outcomes and examinetheir interrelationship inparticipants with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), already established aseither responder or non-responder to Fampridine treatment, andto examine associationswiththe expanded disability status scale (EDSS) and 12-item MS walking scale (MSWS-12). METHODS: Baseline data from an explorative longitudinal observational study were analyzed. Participants underwent the Timed 25-Foot Walk Test (T25FW), Six Spot Step Test (SSST), Nine-Hole Peg Test, Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test, Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), neurophysiological testing, including central motor conduction time (CMCT), peripheral motor conduction time (PMCT), motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitudesand electroneuronographyof the lower extremities, and brain MRI (brain volume, number and volume of T2-weighted lesions and lesion load normalized to brain volume). RESULTS: 41 responders and 8 non-responders were examined. There were no intergroup differences inphysical performance, cognitive, neurophysiological, andMRI outcomes (p > 0.05).CMCT was associated withT25FW, SSST, EDSS, and MSWS-12,(p < 0.05). SDMT was associated with the number and volume of T2-weighted lesions, and lesion load normalized to brain volume (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: No differences were identified between responders and non-responders to Fampridine treatment regarding physical and cognitive performance, neurophysiological or MRI outcomes. The results call for cautious interpretation and further large-scale studies are needed to expand ourunderstanding of underlying mechanisms discriminating Fampridine responders and non-responders.CMCT may be used as a marker of disability and walking impairment, while SDMT was associated with white matter lesions estimated by MRI. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03401307.

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Lifestyle factors may individually protect against the development of mild cognitive impairment. We investigate the relationships between both self-reported physical activity and measured physical function with cognition in a population of elderly adults, more than half of whom follow vegetarian dietary patterns. Otherwise healthy adults (n = 127, mean age 74.9 ± 7.9 years, 61.3% current vegetarians) were assessed using a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. A principal components analysis derived processing speed, executive function, and memory/language factors. Participants reported current levels of vigorous physical activity on questionnaires, and physical function and mobility were measured with the Physical Performance Test (PPT) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test. Generalized linear models estimated ß coefficients for cross-sectional associations between cognitive factors and indicators of physical abilities and self-reported physical activity. Better physical function indicated by PPT was associated with higher scores on the processing speed factor (ß = 0.21 SDs for each 4.4-point increase in PPT score; p = 0.02). Faster TUG times were also associated with higher processing speed factor scores (ß = 0.21 SDs increase for each 2.8 second less TUG time; p = 0.02). Self-reported levels of vigorous physical activity were not associated with any area of cognitive function; the association between PPT, TUG and processing speed was independent of physical activity. Associations between PPT and TUG and processing speed were stronger among participants who followed vegetarian dietary patterns. Better physical function may have an effect on cognition in a context of healthy lifestyles.

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OBJECTIVES: The primary purpose was to evaluate the reliability of the Upper Limb Rotation Test (ULRT). The secondary objective was to evaluate the relationship between the ULRT and two PPTs (SMBT and CKCUEST), trunk rotation range of motion (SRT) and shoulder rotational isometric strength. DESIGN: Reliability study and correlation study. SETTING: Laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: 91 healthy adults participated to establish the reliability and validity of the ULRT. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We used a two-session measurement design to evaluate the reliability of the ULRT. The SMBT, CKCUEST, SAC and the SRT were performed to determine relationships with the ULRT. RESULTS: Results showed good reliability. The SEM 95 and the MDC95 showed clinically acceptable absolute reliability values for the ULRT. A moderate correlation was found between the ULRT and CKCUEST scores. A moderate correlation was found between ULRT and SMBT scores. CONCLUSIONS: Results demonstrated good relative reliability and clinically acceptable absolute reliability values for the ULRT. Performances on the ULRT were moderately correlated with the PPTs.

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OBJECTIVE: To determine classes of motor performance based on community deployable motor impairment and functional tests in a heterogeneous adult population. DESIGN: Sixteen tests of limb-specific and whole-body measures of motor impairment and function were obtained. Linear regression analysis was used to dichotomize performance on each test as falling within or outside the age- and sex-predicted values. Latent class analysis was used to determine 3 classes of motor performance. The chi-square test of association and the Fisher exact test were used for categorical variables, and analysis of variance and the Kruskal-Wallis test were used for continuous variables to evaluate the relationship between demographic characteristics and latent classes. SETTING: General community. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals (N=118; 50 men) participated in the study. Quota sampling was used to recruit individuals who self-identified as healthy (n=44) or currently living with a preexisting chronic health condition, including arthritis (n=19), multiple sclerosis (n=18), Parkinson disease (n=17), stroke (n=18), or low functioning (n=2). INTERVENTION: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Latent classes of motor performance. RESULTS: Across the entire sample, 3 latent classes of motor performance were determined that clustered individuals with motor performance falling: (1) within predicted values on most of the tests (expected class), (2) outside predicted values on some of the tests (moderate class), and (3) outside predicted values on most of the tests (severe class).The ability to distinguish between the respective classes based on the percent chance of falling outside predicted values was achieved using the following community deployable motor performance tests: 10-meter walk test (22%, 80%, and 100%), 6-minute walk test (14.5%, 37.5%, and 100%), grooved pegboard test (23%, 38%, and 100%), and modified physical performance test (3%, 54%, and 96%). CONCLUSIONS: In this heterogeneous group of adults, we found 3 distinct classes of motor performance, with the sample clustering into an expected test score group, a moderate test score deficiency group, and a severed test score deficiency group. Based on the motor performance tests, we established that community deployable, easily administered testing could accurately predict the established clusters of motor performance.

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Conversion to a filmless technique of physical performance testing is becoming a topic of much interest to researchers. We assessed the use of a computed radiography (CR) system with postprocessing software as an alternative tool for performing the three physical performance tests of an x-ray tube. Collimator and beam alignment, focal spot size, and milliampere second (mAs) linearity, were performed using a CR system. Results were then compared with those obtained from a conventional screen-film (SF) system. The distances of collimator misalignment measured by the SF system were decreased while peak tube voltage (kVp) was increased (mAs was fixed), whereas those measured by CR were independent of exposure level. The degrees of beam collimator misalignment measured by the CR system were not different from those measured by the SF system. The differences in focal spot dimensions measured by SF and CR systems were less than 4% for large and small focal spot size in both width and length. The mAs linearity evaluated by the SF system agreed with those evaluated by the dose measurement at 50 kVp and 4 mAs, as well as 55 kVp and 3.2 mAs, while the mAs linearity test using the CR system agreed with those using the dose measurement method for all exposure levels. In summary, a CR system could be utilized to assess the three physical performance tests of a single x-ray tube, but required more time than an SF system. Medical physicists with image processing skills were needed to perform the analyses.

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The ability to stand up from a sitting position is essential for older adults to live independently. Body-fixed inertial sensors may provide an approach for quantifying the sit-to-stand (STS) in clinical settings. The aim of this study was to determine whether measurements of STS movements using body-fixed sensors yield parameters that are informative regarding changes in STS performance in older adults with reduced muscle strength. In twenty-seven healthy older adults, handgrip strength was assessed as a proxy for overall muscle strength. Subjects were asked to stand up from a chair placed at three heights. Trunk movements were measured using an inertial sensor fixed to the back. Duration, angular range, and maximum angular velocity of STS phases, as well as the vertical velocity of the extension phase, were calculated. Backwards elimination using Generalized Estimating Equations was used to determine if handgrip strength predicted the STS durations and trunk kinematics. Weaker subjects (i.e., with lower handgrip strength) were slower during the STS and showed a larger flexion angular range and a larger extension angular range. In addition, weaker subjects showed a greater maximum angular velocity, which increased with lower seat heights. Measurements with a single inertial sensor did reveal that older adults with lower handgrip strength employed a different strategy to stand up from a sitting position, involving more dynamic use of the trunk. This effect was greatest when elevating body mass. Trunk kinematic parameters were more sensitive to reduced muscle strength than durations.

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AIM: We propose a simple method to measure knee extensor muscle strength using a single-legged vertical squat. The purpose of the present study was to assess the validity of this method in comparison with standard methods of measurement. METHODS: A total of 30 healthy adults (mean age 22 years) and 28 healthy older individuals (mean age 69 years) participated in this study. Knee extensor torque at maximum knee flexion during a single-leg squat was calculated by a geometrical model using height, weight and measured leg forward lean angle. Its validity as a measurement of knee extensor strength was assessed by comparing the results with maximum isometric knee extensor strength measured using an isokinetic dynamometer and a handheld dynamometer. RESULTS: Knee extensor torques calculated by the squat model were highly correlated with those calculated by the isokinetic dynamometer (r = 0.835) and handheld dynamometer (r = 0.884); however, the difference between the squat model and the isokinetic dynamometer measurements, and between the squat model and the handheld dynamometer measurements increased proportionally with increasing muscle strength. CONCLUSION: The squat model is a convenient way to measure knee extensor muscle strength quantitatively. However, it might be more suitable for individuals with quadriceps muscle weakness than for those with strong muscles. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 1125-1131.

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PURPOSE: The study is to compare the Modified Physical Performance Test (MPPT) and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) as metrics of mobility and function in older men with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 51 men (55-87 years) with PAD underwent functional testing including the SPPB, MPPT, Walking Impairment Questionnaire (WIQ), stair ascent, and 6-min walk distance. Individuals were grouped according to SPPB and MPPT scores as not limited on either, limited only on the MPPT, or limited on both. RESULTS: The MPPT identified a higher proportion of patients as being functionally limited than the SPPB (p < 0.001). Men identified as limited only by the MPPT, and not the SPPB, were subsequently confirmed to have lower function on all measures compared to those not identified as limited by either the SPPB or the MPPT (p < 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest the MPPT is an appropriate measure to identify early declines in men with PAD and may identify global disability better than SPPB. Implications for rehabilitation Individuals with peripheral arterial disease have low activity levels and are at risk for a loss of independence and global disability. Early detection of decline in mobility and global function would allow for interventions before large changes in ambulatory ability or a loss of functional independence occur. This study shows the Modified Physical Performance Test may be an appropriate test to identify early decline in function in men with peripheral arterial disease.

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OBJECTIVES: Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is a complex and interdisciplinary approach to evaluate the health status of elderly patients. The Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) and Physical Performance Test (PPT) are less time-consuming tools that measure functional status. This study was designed to assess and compare abridged geriatric assessment (GA), KPS and PPT as predictive tools of mortality in elderly patients with cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective interventional study included all individuals aged >70years who were diagnosed with cancer during the study period. Subjects were interviewed directly using a procedure that included a clinical test and a questionnaire composed of the KPS, PPT and abridged GCA. Overall survival (OS) was the primary endpoint. The log rank test was used to compare survival curves, and Cox's regression model (forward procedure) was used for multivariate survival analysis. RESULTS: One hundred patients were included in this study. Abridged GA was the only tool found to predict mortality [median OS for unfit patients (at least two impairments) 467days vs 1030days for fit patients; p=0.04]. Patients defined as fit by mean PPT score (>20) had worse median OS (560 vs 721days); however, this difference was not significant (p=0.488 on log rank). Although median OS did not differ significantly between patients with low (≤80) and high (>80) KPS scores (467 and 795days, respectively; p=0.09), survival curves diverged after nearly 120days of follow-up. Visual and hearing impairments were the only components of abridged GA of prognostic value. CONCLUSION: Neither KPS nor PPT were shown to predict mortality in elderly patients with cancer whereas abridged GA was predictive. This study suggests a possible role for visual and hearing assessment as screening for patients requiring CGA.

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[Purpose] This study investigated the factors associated with performance-based physical function of older veterans of the People's Liberation Army Air Force of China (PLAAF). [Subjects and Methods] A cross-sectional survey of 146 older veterans of the PLAAF was carried out. Their physical function was measured using the Chinese Mini-Physical Performance Testing (CM-PPT). The demographics and health status (including physical measures, blood chemical tests, chronic diseases, and number of morbidities) were collected from health examination reports and computer records of case history. Cognition was measured using the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE). [Results] In multiple linear regressions, age, MMSE, Parkinsonism, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were independently associated with CM-PPT, while previous stroke and albumin level reached borderline statistical significance. The association between the number of morbidities and CM-PPT was significant after adjustment for MMSE and demographics. The CM-PPT of low (0 or 1), medium (2 to 4) and high count (5 or more) morbidities were 11.3±3.9, 10.2±4.1, 6.1±3.8 respectively, and the difference among these three groups was significant. [Conclusion] Some modified conditions and the number of chronic diseases might be associated with the physical function of older veterans of the PLAAF.