The SPPB Score in One Minute
Three tests, 0–4 points each, one score out of 12: what the SPPB bands mean and how much change matters.
The Short Physical Performance Battery puts balance, walking and leg strength into one score out of 12.
The short version
- Three parts, 0–4 points each: three balance stances, a timed 4-metre walk and five chair stands.
- The bands: 10–12 minimal limitation, 7–9 mild, 4–6 moderate, 0–3 severe.
- Lower scores carried higher odds of death than 10–12 in 17 pooled studies: 1.50 for 7–9, 2.14 for 4–6, 3.25 for 0–3 (Pavasini et al., 2016).
- A change of about 1 point is substantial; about half a point is small but meaningful (Perera et al., 2006).
Step Doctor runs the whole battery from one phone with voice guidance and scores it with the standard cut-offs.
