INTRODUCTION: Stair climbing is an essential daily task. Climbing limitations are especially prevalent in elderly populations and affect functional independence. This paper aims to translate and make the cultural adaption to Brazilian Portuguese of the "Activity Limitations in Climbing Stairs" scale and its validation. METHODS: Translation, back-translation and cultural adaptation. Instruments: Guralnik short physical performance battery; timing to ascend and descend a seven-step staircase with handrail. Use of handrail and alternate steps were observed. The scale was reapplied to the same population, after 15 days. Descriptive statistics, with correlation and comparing group tests α<0.05. RESULTS: The study observed 22 patients (72.2% female); average age 76 years. Only one question was revised due to cultural adaptation. The scale score was significantly correlated to stair ascending and descending time and differentiated the group using alternate feet and handrail. The Guralnik test was significantly correlated with stair climbing. The internal consistency was 0.8477. The scale remained stable. CONCLUSION: The "Activity Limitations in Climbing Stairs" scale translation and cultural adaptation was completed. Its validity was established in a group of elderly subjects by the significant scale correlation to the actual task. High internal consistency and stability were determined.
Translation; Elderly; Mobility Limitation; Evaluation; Assessment
