Late life function and disability instrument 10-1

Late life function and disability instrument – Presenting The Hebrew Version
Itshak Melzer, PT, Ph.D
Ilan Kurz, PT, M.Sc
Orly Sarid, Ph.D

:ABSTRACT

Self-reported capability in physical functioning and disability has long been considered an important focus of research of older persons. Current measures have been criticized for conceptual confusion, lack of sensitivity to change, poor reproducibility, poor validity, and inability to capture a wide range of upper and lower extremity functioning. The Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument (LLFDI is a self-report tool for evaluating function and disability in elderly persons, which was specifically designed to be sensitive to changes in physical function. The tool was originally developed in English at the Institute of Health and Disability at Boston University. The aim of the present article is to present the Hebrew version of The LLFDI. The article presents its conceptual model and reviews current literature regarding the validity and reliability of both the English and Hebrew versions. Also examined are the correlations between self reported evaluation, functional assessment, and disability in the elderly. In conclusion, the LLFDI is highly reliable and valid for assessing function and disability in older adults. The LLFDI is recommended as an outcome instrument in studies of older adults where function and disability are outcomes of interest.

KEY WORDS: Aging; Balance; Gait; Physical disability; Physical functioning; Late Life Function and Disability Instrument.