Psychometrics of Farsi version of Subjective and Objective Physical Fitness Measurement Tools among Iranian Elderly

Lack of physical fitness measurement tools is still felt, especially in different groups, mainly the elderly. Therefore, considering the role and importance of physical fitness measurement in the elderly, the aim of this study was to investigate the validity and reliability of Farsi version of physical fitness measurement tools among elderly. Research method of present study was developmental. Statistical population were Iranian elderly that 250 men and women were selected from Tabriz and Tehran by random cluster sampling. Measurement tools included Short Form (36) Health Survey, Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity, Self-Reported Physical Fitness Survey, Senior fitness test. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient, Cronbach's alpha coefficient, and Spearman Brown correlation coefficient and SPSS software version 22. The results showed that concurrent criterion validity was confirmed by correlation between objective and subjective physical fitness measures, and construct validity between some objective and subjective physical fitness factors with physical indices and physical activity. Construct validity was also confirmed between some factors of objective physical fitness and quality of life. The results of Cronbach's alpha reliability for objective physical fitness were 0.69 and subjective physical fitness 0.67. Split half reliability was 0.65 and 0.69. Accordingly, it can be said that the objective and subjective physical fitness measurement tools examined in this study have acceptable validity and reliability in Iranian elderly population. Therefore, we can use these tests in appropriate conditions to evaluate the physical fitness of the elderly alternatively.