Development of a Physical Fitness Estimation Method for Middle-aged and Elderly Persons Using Computerized Adaptive Testing

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop a questionnaire for a proposed physical fitness estimation method for middle-aged and elderly persons that could be easily applied to many subjects. The estimation method uses computerized adaptive testing (CAT) based on item response theory (IRT).
The questionnaire on physical fitness was carried out among healthy males and females aged 30 to 88 years (n=485). Moreover, in order to validate the questionnaire, a physical performance test consisting of 6 items was done on males and females aged 30 to 79 years (n=128). An algorithm was written for the CAT-based IRT. Using CAT, an average of 10.5 questions needed to be answered for the physical fitness evaluation. The Pearson's correlation coefficient between the physical fitness evaluation from CAT and physical fitness evaluation from a 63-item questionnaire was r=0.96 (p<0.001). The Pearson's correlation coefficient between the physical fitness evaluation from CAT and measured physical fitness score was r=0.60 (p<0.001).
Results suggest that the proposed physical fitness estimation method using CAT is effective for many people. CAT can be carried out in a short time, anywhere the respondents have a PC and internet access, and it is relevant to performance tests.