Feasibility of ADL Test Construction Based on IRT

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of constructing a new test by analyzing the item characteristic of motor function and physical independence ADL tests based on the item response theory (IRT). Subjects were 137 males and 198 females, aged over 65 years old. The average of age was 69.2±5.4 years old (male 70.4±5.5, female 68.7 ±5.2). The physical independence and the motor function ADL test were consisted of 15 items with 2 options. Unidimesionality of physical independence and motor function ADL tests were satisfi ed for item characteristic analysis. Item diffi culty and item discrimination were calculated by using two-parameter logistic model. Item characteristic curves, item information functions, test characteristic curves, and test information functions were obtained from the item diffi culty and the item discrimination. In the new test, 70% of the whole subjects were able to achieve 80% or more based on the item characteristic. The item diffi culty, the item discrimination, and the amount of item information of each item were confi rmed. Eighty % of the whole subjects were able to achieve 80% or more in physical independence ADL test. Fifty % of the whole subjects were able to achieve 80% or more in motor function ADL test. It was concluded that the new test satisfi ed target test characteristics could be composed from previous test items applying IRT techniques.

Development of a Physical Fitness Estimation Method for Middle-aged and Elderly Persons Using Computerized Adaptive Testing

“…In this study, a questionnaire of 36 items regarding physical fitness and function intended for maintenance and promotion of the daily living function of elderly people was made by reference to the questionnaire content of previous studies (Nishijima et al, 1993;Kim et al, 1994;Nishijima et al, 2003;Nakano et al, 2004). Among a community association called Union A, 357 healthy middle-aged and elderly persons, 46-88 years old (this population is called Group I) and consisting of 80 men (67.5Ϯ8.8 years) and 277 women (62.6Ϯ7.2 years) applied to a study participation request published in a public relations magazine and answered the 36-item questionnaire.…”