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Measuring the impact of increased exercise on quality of life in older adults: the UQQoL, a new instrument

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Abstract

The University of Queensland Quality of Life instrument (UQQoL) was developed to provide a quantitative measure sensitive to the impact of increased exercise on the quality of life (QoL) of older individuals. This paper describes the development and testing of the UQQoL including an exploratory study of focus group interviews with 18 participants aged 65 and over, item development and selection, and instrument piloting with groups of older adults undergoing high-intensity training. The SF-36, another established QoL tool, was also administered at the same time points for comparative purposes. The UQQoL displayed good convergent validity with selected SF-36 domains. A significant change in QoL following training was found, complementing functional improvements. This change was not detected by the SF-36. While broader testing is required, the UQQoL appears to be a reliable instrument sensitive to the change in QoL experienced by healthy community-dwelling older adults following resistance exercise.

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Acknowledgments

We sincerely thank our many colleagues in the School of Human Movement Studies and the Australasian Centre on Ageing at The University of Queensland who volunteered their time, support and expertise to this project. In addition, we would especially like to thank the participants without whom this study would not have been possible. Finally, we are very grateful for the extremely helpful comments of the anonymous referees.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Research and Practice Development Centre, University of Queensland and Blue Care, 56 Sylvan Rd, Toowong, QLD, Australia

    Tim R. Henwood

  2. Australasian Centre on Ageing, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia

    Helen P. Bartlett

Authors
  1. Tim R. Henwood
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  2. Helen P. Bartlett
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Tim R. Henwood.

Appendices

Appendix

With the exception of the title page, which has had the University of Queensland logo removed, the version of the UQQoL presented here has been significantly decreased in front size for the convenience of the reader.

University of Queensland Quality of Life Instrument

Instructions.

This questionnaire aims to assess your current quality of life, physical health and social well-being. The questions are concerned with both the mental and physical aspects of your day-to-day life. Please answer each question by placing a circle around one answer which best describes you.

Examples:

A. I have no problem with household tasks.

figure a

You would circle “TRUE” if you experience no restrictions within your own home.

B. I have no problem with household tasks.

figure b

But if required assistance for the bulk of the household tasks (e.g. laundry, cleaning, bed making) then you would circle “ALMOST NEVER TRUE”.

Name:__________________

Please answer all questions.

1. My physical ability concerns me.

figure c

2. I feel my quality of life could be better.

figure d

3. Lifting a child (3 years and under) is something I would not hesitate to do.

figure e

4. In day-to-day life aches and pains always affect me.

figure f

5. I feel confident among people of all ages.

figure g

6. If I was stronger I would be more confident with every day activities.

figure h

7. I have a positive outlook.

figure i

8. Ageing has had an impact on my physical well-being.

figure j

9. Changes in my physical well-being as I age concern me.

figure k

10. I am satisfied with my present level of health.

figure l

11. I have no problem with household tasks.

figure m

12. Tasks away from the house (e.g. Shopping) require the assistance of others.

figure n

13. In my garden my activity is not limited.

figure o

14. I have trouble getting to sleep.

figure p

15. My sleep is never broken or restless.

figure q

16. When I look at my body in the mirror I am satisfied with what I see.

figure r

Thank you for completing this questionnaire.

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Henwood, T.R., Bartlett, H.P. Measuring the impact of increased exercise on quality of life in older adults: the UQQoL, a new instrument. Eur J Ageing 5, 241–252 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10433-008-0084-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10433-008-0084-6

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