Reliability and validity of the German translation of the de Morton Mobility Index (DEMMI) performed by physiotherapists in patients admitted to a sub-acute inpatient geriatric rehabilitation hospital

T. Braun*, R.J. Schulz, J. Reinke, N.L. van Meeteren, N.A. de Morton, M. Davidson, C. Thiel, C. Grüneberg

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Background: Mobility is a key outcome in geriatric rehabilitation. The de Morton Mobility Index (DEMMI) is an internationally well-established, unidimensional measure of mobility with good psychometric properties. The aim of this study was to examine the reliability and construct validity of the German translation of the DEMMI in geriatric inpatients.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included patients admitted to a sub-acute inpatient geriatric rehabilitation hospital (reliability sample: N = 33; validity sample: N = 107). Reliability, validity, and unidimensionality were investigated.

Results: Inter-rater reliability between two graduate physiotherapists was excellent, with intra-class correlation coefficient of 0.94 (95% confidence interval: 0.88-0.97). The minimal detectable change with 90% confidence was 9 points. Construct validity for the DEMMI was evidenced by significant moderate to strong correlations with other measures of mobility and related constructs (Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment: rho = 0.89; Functional Ambulation Categories: rho = 0.70; six-minute walk test: rho = 0.73; gait speed: rho = 0.67; Falls Efficacy Scale International: rho = -0.68). Known-groups validity was indicated by significant DEMMI mean group differences between independent versus dependent walkers and walking aid users versus non-users. Unidimensionality of the German DEMMI translation was confirmed by Rasch analysis.

Conclusions: The German translation of the DEMMI is a unidimensional instrument producing valid and reproducible measurement of mobility in an inpatient geriatric rehabilitation setting.

Original languageEnglish
Article number58
Number of pages11
JournalBMC Geriatrics
Volume15
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 3 May 2015

Keywords

  • Aged
  • Mobility limitation
  • Geriatric assessment
  • Psychometrics
  • Rehabilitation
  • 6-MINUTE WALK TEST
  • OLDER-ADULTS
  • COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT
  • PARKINSON-DISEASE
  • ELDERLY PATIENTS
  • FALL RISK
  • FES-I
  • COMMUNITY
  • SCORES
  • RESPONSIVENESS

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