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Feasibility of a Broad Test Battery to Assess Physical Functioning Limitations of People Experiencing Homelessness

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  • Julie Broderick

    (Discipline of Physiotherapy, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, D08 W9RT Dublin, Ireland)

  • Sinead Kiernan

    (Discipline of Physiotherapy, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, D08 W9RT Dublin, Ireland
    Department of Physiotherapy, St. James’s Hospital, D08 X4RX Dublin, Ireland)

  • Niamh Murphy

    (Department of Physiotherapy, St. James’s Hospital, D08 X4RX Dublin, Ireland)

  • Joanne Dowds

    (Department of Physiotherapy, St. James’s Hospital, D08 X4RX Dublin, Ireland)

  • Cliona Ní Cheallaigh

    (Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, D08 W9RT Dublin, Ireland
    Department of Infectious Diseases, St. James’s Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, D08 X4RX Dublin, Ireland)

Abstract

Background: People who are homeless experience poor health. Reflective of overall health and factors such as acquired injuries, physical ability or functioning is often low among people who are homeless, but there is a lack of consistency of measures used to evaluate this construct. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a broad test battery to evaluate limitations in physical functioning among people who are homeless. Methods: This cross-sectional, observational study occurred in a hospital in Dublin, Ireland. We evaluated lower extremity physical function (Short Physical Performance Battery), falls risk (timed up and go), functional capacity (six-minute walk test), stair-climbing ability (stair climb test), frailty (Clinical Frailty Scale), grip strength (handgrip dynamometer) and muscular mass (calf circumference measurement) in a population of people experiencing homelessness admitted for acute medical care. The test completion rate was evaluated for feasibility. Results: The completion rate varied: 65% (Short Physical Performance Battery), 55.4% (timed up and go), 38% (six-minute walk test), 31% (stair climb test), 97% (Clinical Frailty Scale), 75% (handgrip dynamometer), 74% (calf circumference measurement)). Collectively, the most common reasons for test non-participation were pain (24.1%, n = 40), not feeling well or able enough (20.1%, n = 33), and declined (11%, n = 18). Conclusion: The feasibility of the test battery was mixed as test participation rates varied from 31% to 97%. Physical functioning tests need to be carefully chosen for people who are homeless as many standard tests are unsuitable due to pain and poor physical ability.

Suggested Citation

  • Julie Broderick & Sinead Kiernan & Niamh Murphy & Joanne Dowds & Cliona Ní Cheallaigh, 2021. "Feasibility of a Broad Test Battery to Assess Physical Functioning Limitations of People Experiencing Homelessness," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-11, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:3:p:1035-:d:486392
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kushel, M.B. & Perry, S. & Bangsberg, D. & Clark, R. & Moss, A.R., 2002. "Emergency department use among the homeless and marginally housed: Results from a community-based study," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 92(5), pages 778-784.
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    Cited by:

    1. Kate Frazer & Thilo Kroll, 2022. "Understanding and Tackling the Complex Challenges of Homelessness and Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(6), pages 1-3, March.

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