Correlação entre os scores dos testes de aptidão funcional GDLAM e escala funcional de Katz de idosos fisicamente independentes

Aim: To evaluate the level of agreement via correlational analysis between an objective (GDLAM) and a subjective (Katz scale) measure of functional capacity in physically independent older adult males and females. Methods: One hundred physically independent subjects ≥ 60 years participated in the study. The following parameters were investigated: body composition (height, body weight, body mass index, and hip and waist circumference), objectively measured functional capacity via the GDLAM test (walking 10m, rising from a sitting position, rising from the prone position and standing up, get up of a chair and move around the house), and the Katz functional scale (subjective perception of six items for daily activities, namely: bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, continence, and feeding). Results: Correlational results between the objective (GDLAM) and subjective (Katz) assessments showed a high degree of agreement between the scores within the full sample (r = -0.6636), as well as among females (r = -0.8662) and males (r = -0.8380), all p ≤ 0.001. Conclusion: The two physical aptitude tests showed satisfactory levels of agreement and correlation and presented good practical application. This suggests interchangeability of the tests.