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Printed on 4/21/2026
For informational purposes only. This is not medical advice.
The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) is a validated objective measure of lower-extremity function in older adults. It combines three domains, each scored 0 to 4: standing balance, usual gait speed, and repeated chair stands. The total score ranges 0 to 12, with lower scores associated with higher risk of disability, falls, hospitalization, nursing-home admission, and mortality.
Formula: SPPB total = balance (0-4) + gait speed (0-4) + chair stand (0-4), range 0-12.
Lower SPPB scores indicate poorer physical performance and higher adverse-outcome risk; higher scores indicate stronger functional reserve.
Use in geriatric clinics, rehabilitation, prehabilitation, and chronic-disease follow-up where objective mobility/strength performance stratification is needed.
Requires standardized test administration and may be affected by acute pain, neurologic deficits, and temporary illness, so context is important.
For related assessments, see Timed Up and Go, FRAIL Scale and Clinical Frailty Scale.
Disclaimer: This tool is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with questions about your health.
Assess mobility and fall risk with the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. TUG >12 seconds indicates high fall risk. Times the performance of standing, walking 3 meters, turning, and returning to seated.
GeriatricsScreen frailty using the 5-item FRAIL scale (Fatigue, Resistance, Ambulation, Illnesses, Loss of weight).
GeriatricsAssess frailty using the Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS 1–9): Very Fit to Terminally Ill. Used for ICU triage, surgical risk stratification, and goals-of-care discussions in elderly patients.
GeriatricsScreen for probable sarcopenia risk using SARC-F (0-10) across strength, walking, chair rise, stair climbing, and falls.