Get up and go! Best utility and known validity and reliability.

Dear Sandrina, I think you can use time-up-and-go (TUG). It is easy to implement, minimal equipment required, and it is valid and reliable too...

Regards

The TUG is a good choice; you can also use variations of the TUG by including a cognitive task. One source is: http://www.rehabmeasures.org/Lists/RehabMeasures/PrintView.aspx?ID=1057

Dear Sandrina

I agree with the others comments. The TUG and walking speed are very simples, validated methods. If you have more time a very beautiful and complete method is SPPB. How much better is the performance status of your patient , as you need a more sensible instrument.

Dear Sandrina,

I agree with all others, but I wold ask are you most interested in physical function & ability? if yes, the other used in clinical and research is the FIM, if used for research, there is a training component.

Hi, sandrina,

I think you can use SPPB. It is easy to implement, complet, minimal equipment required, and it is valid and reliable too, 

Comments above agreed, I can add hand grip strength wich can be measured easily

I agree with Rohana

Hello

If you are measuring physical functional ability, such as mobility and overall function there are a few, have you looked at the FIM? I also agree with others about the TUG and functional reach.

TUG  ( Timed vget uo and go ) is a simple way to detect problems related to gait and mobility / stability. It is just a starting point for further clinical invrestigation if it indicates

impaired function. FIM - as mentioned above by Deana' seems more adequate , It can be used in a modular way  ( one or 2 domains ) and requires not much time to get used with its aplication. So ; let we talk FIMish.

Sandrina, 

I believe that the answer to your question is: the questionnaire that people will be TRUTHFUL on. People tend to mis-report due to lack of understanding or fear of the realization that they aren't performing as well as their should be. If you are going to implement a questionnaire, I suggest it be one that can be completed with a healthcare professional present to be able to assist in choosing the BEST answer for the patient. 

For example: many times a question will read "I am satisfied with my overall health". Patients can sometimes reason themselves to extremes (always vs. sometimes vs. never) based on what is currently happening in their lives. With a little prompting such as "Are you really happy ALL the time?" a more appropriate answer can be deducted. 

I hope that this assists you! Questionnaires are wonderful in order to gain a large of information in a short amount of time from a large group of people, but so long as you are aware of the potential limitations and take those into concern (like with all research methods!), you should be fine. 

Best of Luck!

Heidi 

I consider that the best strategy is always to base our clinical practice on a complete comprehensive geriatric assessment, with the early identification of geriatric syndromes, and with an intervention at the level of psychosocial components, as I describe in the following manuscript.

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