Validity and reliability of the Glittre-ADL test in adults with asthma

Introduction Adults with asthma may have limitations in their activities of daily living (ADL) and among the most used tests to assess ADL, performance-based instruments such as the Glittre-Activities of Daily Living (Glittre-ADL) test are available. However, metric properties of this instrument have not yet been investigated in this population. Objective To verify the construct validity and reliability of the Glittre-ADL test in adults with asthma. Methods Fifty-eight adults with asthma had their ADL objectively assessed by Glittre-ADL test, which was performed twice by the same rater. Lung function (spirometry), functional exercise capacity (6-minute walk test, 6MWT), and quality of life (St George's Respiratory Questionnaire, SGRQ) were also assessed. Results Participants were 31% men; 43 +/- 14 years; FEV1 74 +/- 18% predicted. Performance in the Glittre-ADL test correlated with the 6MWT (r = -0.61; P < .0001) and had excellent intraclass correlation coefficient ICC3,1 = 0.95. Standard error of measurement was 23%, and the minimal detectable change was 29 seconds. Furthermore, the learning effect was 11 seconds (5.03%). Conclusion The Glittre-ADL test is valid and reliable for assessing ADL in adults with asthma. However, considerable learning effect was observed and therefore the best of two measures can avoid underestimation.

Automated summary

This study confirmed the construct validity and reliability of the Glittre-ADL test for assessing activities of daily living in adults with asthma. However, a considerable learning effect was observed.