Construct validation of the vitality capacity domains ‘energy and metabolism’ and ‘neuromuscular function’ in relation to locomotor capacity and quality of life in community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults

Journal Article (2026)
Author(s)

Francis Louter (Vrije Universiteit Brussel, SOMT University of Physiotherapy)

Veerle Knoop (SOMT University of Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel)

Jeroen Demarteau (SOMT University of Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel)

Liza De Dobbeleer (Vrije Universiteit Brussel)

David Beckwee (Vrije Universiteit Brussel, SOMT University of Physiotherapy)

Siddhartha Lieten (Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel)

Aziz Debain (Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel)

Albert Van De Wiel (TU Delft - Applied Sciences)

Bart Jansen (Vrije Universiteit Brussel)

More Authors (External organisation)

Research Group
RST/Applied Radiation & Isotopes
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11357-026-02283-y Final published version
More Info
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Publication Year
2026
Language
English
Research Group
RST/Applied Radiation & Isotopes
Journal title
GeroScience
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Abstract

Vitality capacity (VC) reflects a physiological state and is a determinant domain of intrinsic capacity but has so far remained mainly theoretical. This study validates the vitality capacity domains ‘energy and metabolism’ and ‘neuromuscular function’ and examines its link to locomotor capacity and quality of life (QoL). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed on the combined dataset from the Fatigue Resistance AMErsfoort study (FRAME, n = 1000) and the Fatigue Plot study (FATPLOT,n = 620). Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were subsequently performed on data from the AMersfoort COhort study on functional decline, Healthy aging and Frailty (AMCOHF,n = 367) and the BrUssels sTudy on The Early pRedictors of FraiLtY (BUTTERFLY,n = 491), to validate VC in both middle-aged and older adults. Linear hierarchical regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between VC, locomotor capacity, and QoL. EFA indicated a one-factor model and CFA validated this with good model fit in the dataset (BUTTERFLY) (Robust CFI; 0.960, SRMR: 0.040) and (AMCOHF) (Robust CFI; 0.942, SRMR: 0.055). This model validated maximal grip strength (GSmax), 30-s chair stand test (30CST), Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20) and Capacity to Perceived Vitality ratio physical (CPV-physical) to measure VC. Several assessments show a significant relationship with locomotor capacity and QoL. This study indicated that VC is a coherent domain and has a relationship with locomotor capacity and QoL.