Map-based assessment of older adults’ life space. Validity and reliability

Background Map-based tools have recently found their way into health-related research. They can potentially be used to quantify older adults’ life-space. This study aimed to evaluate the validity (vs. GPS) and the test-retest reliability of a map-based life-space assessment (MBA). Methods Life-space of one full week was assessed by GPS and by MBA. MBA was repeated after approximately 3 weeks. Distance-related (mean and maximum distance from home) and area-related (convex hull, standard deviational ellipse) life-space indicators were calculated. Intraclass correlations (MBA vs. GPS and test-retest) were calculated in addition to Bland-Altman analyses (MBA vs. GPS). Results Fifty-eight older adults (mean age 74, standard deviation 5.5 years; 39.7% women) participated in the study. Bland-Altman analyses showed the highest agreement between methods for the maximum distance from home. Intraclass correlation coefficients ranged between 0.19 (95% confidence interval 0 to 0.47) for convex hull and 0.72 (95% confidence interval 0.52 to 0.84) for maximum distance from home. Intraclass correlation coefficients for test-retest reliability ranged between 0.04 (95% confidence interval 0 to 0.30) for convex hull and 0.43 (95% confidence interval 0.19 to 0.62) for mean distance from home. Conclusions While acceptable validity and reliability were found for the distance-related life-space parameters, MBA cannot be recommended for the assessment of area-related life-space parameters.

Keywords

Geographic information systems, Environment, Mobility, Aged, GIS

Subject (DDC)

600 - Technik, Medizin, angewandte Wissenschaften

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Event

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Date of the last check

ISBN

ISSN

1813-7253
1861-6909

Language

English

Created during FHNW affiliation

Yes

Strategic action fields FHNW

Publication status

Published

Review

Peer review of the complete publication

Open access category

Gold

License

Citation

Hinrichs, T., Zanda, A., Fillekes, M. P., Bereuter, P., Portegijs, E., Rantanen, T., Schmidt-Trucksäss, A., Zeller, A. W., & Weibel, R. (2020). Map-based assessment of older adults’ life space. Validity and reliability. European Review of Aging and Physical Activity, 17(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s11556-020-00253-7

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