Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)

Assessing Physical Performance in the Older Patient

The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) is an objective assessment tool for evaluating lower extremity functioning in older persons. It was developed by the National Institute on Aging and is available for use without permission or royalty fees. This site will allow you to download the contents of a training CD that includes comprehensive instructions on the administration of the battery, safety tips, a scoring sheet and background information on publications that support the methodology. These files may be used on your computer or written to a CD. A cover for the CD case is also available for downloading and printing.

Important Application Update:  A mobile application to streamline delivery of the SPPB and designed for research and clinical use is available for both iPhone and Android.  Learn more about the SPPB and find links to the app at www.SPPBguide.com.

Note: Windows 7 users should download and print the document "Tips for Windows 7 and higher users" below (second bullet):

• Instructions 
• Tips for Windows 7 and higher users
• Graphic for the CD Cover
• CD (Download)

After using the training material on this web site you may want to view additional tips on administering the SPPB in this video:

More Information

Jack M. Guralnik, M.D., Ph.D.
Email: jguralnik@epi.umaryland.edu