Relationship between SHARE-FI frailty scores and physical performance measures in older adult medicaid recipients

Abstract

The Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe-Frailty Instrument (SHARE-FI) is a frailty assessment tool designed for primary care settings comprised of four self-report questions and grip strength measurement, yet it is not known how SHARE-FI scores relate to objective physical performance measures that assess physical functioning, fall risk, and disability. This cross-sectional, observational study examined the association between SHARE-FI scores and a battery of physical performance measures in a sample of older adult, Medicaid waiver recipients (n = 139, mean age = 74.19 ± 8.36 years). We administered the SHARE-FI, Timed Up and Go (TUG), gait speed, and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) in participants' homes. Among clients, 45% were frail, 35% pre-frail, and 20% non-frail. There were significant differences in all physical performance measure scores with respect to SHARE-FI category. SHARE-FI continuous scores significantly predicted TUG time, all domains of the SPPB, gait speed, and inability to complete the chair rise test. Self-reported walking difficulty and objectively measured gait speed were significantly correlated. The SHARE-FI continuous frailty score predicts scores on a variety of validated physical performance measures. Given the fast administration time, the SHARE-FI could potentially be used to serve as a surrogate for physical performance measures with known association with physical function, fall risk, and disability.