Validity and feasibility of using a seated push-up test among community-dwelling older adults.

Abstract

Background: Older individuals face a high risk of mobility and body composition decline, which can affect their independence. In light of a current uncertain healthcare situation created by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, healthcare paradigm has been shifted with increased demand for a practical measure to promote standard home healthcare services for all individuals, including older adults.

Objective: This study explored the feasibility and validity of seated push-up tests (SPUTs) as clinical measures to reflect the body composition, muscle strength, and mobility among community-dwelling older individuals, aged $\ge 65$ years ($n=82$).

Methods: Participants were cross-sectionally assessed using SPUTs with various demanding forms, including the 1-time SPUT (1SPUT) along with its upper limb loading SPUT (ULL-SPUT), 5-time SPUT (5SPUT), 10-time SPUT (10SPUT), and 1-min SPUT (1minSPUT) and standard measures.

Results: Participants who passed and failed a 1SPUT showed significant differences in the outcomes of all standard measures ($p<0.05$). The ULL-SPUT significantly correlated to all body composition, muscle strength, and mobility ($r=0.247$-0.785; $p<0.05$). Outcomes of 1minSPUT significantly correlated with muscle strength and mobility outcomes ($r=0.306$-0.526; $p<0.05$). Participants reported no adverse effects following the SPUTs.

Conclusion: The findings suggest the use of the 1SPUT, ULL-SPUT, and 1minSPUT as practical measures to reflect the body composition, muscle strength, and mobility of older individuals, according to their functional levels. The tests may especially clinically benefit those with lower limb limitations and those in settings with limited space and equipment.