Abstract
[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability and construct validity of three observational measures of mobility for elderly inpatients with dementia. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 51 inpatients, who were aged 60 or over and diagnosed as having dementia (mean age ± SD, 84.4 ± 6.9; range 60-96 years). The Physical Performance and Mobility Examination (PPME), Hierarchical Assessment of Balance and Mobility (HABAM) and the Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI) were chosen as a measure to observe the mobility behaviors of persons with dementia, and the reliability and construct validity were investigated. [Results] Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) showed that all scales had a good inter-rater reliability (ICC>0.8) and test-retest reliability (ICC>0.9). These scales significantly correlated with symptoms of dementia. Principal component analysis found a uni-factorial nature for the PPME and HABAM. [Conclusion] PPME and HABAM may be suitable measurement tools of mobility for elderly inpatients with dementia.
