Absolute reliability of measurements of muscle strength and physical performance measures in older people with high functional capacities

Key summary points Aim The aim of this study was to clarify the absolute reliability of muscle strength and physical performance measures in older people. Findings Only the five-times chair stand test was found to have a significant systematic error. The minimum detectable changes to the measurement value of grip strength, 5-m walking time, and the timed up and go test were all < 10%, whereas that of knee extension strength was 12%. Message Changes beyond the minimum detectable change are necessary to detect true changes in muscle strength and physical performance tests over time in community-dwelling older people.