Measurement properties of performance-based measures to assess physical function in chronic kidney disease: recommendations from a COSMIN systematic review

Abstract

Background There is wide heterogeneity in physical function tests available for clinical and research use, hindering our ability to synthesize evidence. The aim of this review was to identify and evaluate physical function measures that could be recommended for standardized use in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from inception to March 2022, identifying studies which evaluated a clinimetric property (validity, reliability, measurement error, and/or responsiveness) of an objectively measured performance-based physical function outcomes using the COSMIN methodology and GRADE based recommendations. Studies with individuals of all ages and of any stage of CKD were included. Results In total, 50 studies with 21 315 participants were included. Clinimetric properties were reported for 22 different physical function tests. The short physical performance battery (SPPB), Timed-up-and-go (TUG) test and Sit to stand tests (STS-5 and STS-60) had favorable properties to support their use in CKD and should be integrated into routine use. However, the majority of studies were conducted in the hemodialysis population, and very few provided information regarding validity or reliability. Conclusion The SPPB demonstrated the highest quality of evidence for reliability, measurement error, and construct validity amongst transplant, CKD and dialysis patients. This review is an important step towards standardizing a core outcome set of tools to measure physical function in research and clinical settings for the CKD population.