The reliability and validity of visually assessing temporal wasting in older adults

Abstract

　Aim: The aim is to examine the reliability and validity of the visual assessment of temporal wasting as an assessment method of muscle wasting in the older adults. Methods: The participants were 73 individuals aged 65 or older. Kappa coefficient was used to measure the inter-rater reliability of the two examiners independently performing the visual assessment of temporal wasting. Discriminant validity was evaluated by comparing the indicators of muscle mass across the three groups of severe, mild or no temporal wasting. Known-group validity was assessed by comparing the temporal muscle thicknesses between the three groups. Results: The kappa coefficient was 0.594 for the agreement of the two examiners visually assessing temporal wasting. Participants with severe or mild temporal wasting had significantly lower levels of arm muscle circumference and calf circumferences than participants with no temporal wasting. Temporal muscle thickness was significantly lower in participants with severe temporal wasting compared to those with mild or no temporal wasting. Conclusions: In visually assessing temporal wasting, we have confirmed a moderate degree of interrater reliability, and discriminant and known-group validity.