The ALIVE-Project: Activity, Life Satisfaction, Inclusion, Vitality, Elderly Women

The Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) assesses health-related quality of life. The items are scored and transformed into standardized domain scores. Each scale has a minimum value of 0 and a maximum value of 100. A higher score indicates a better outcome (better health and higher quality of life)

The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) assesses symptoms of anxiety and depression using two separate 7-item subscales (HADS-A and HADS-D). Each subscale has a minimum value of 0 and a maximum value of 21. A higher score indicates a worse outcome (greater severity of anxiety or depressive symptoms).

The Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale (IADL) assesses an individual's ability to perform complex daily tasks necessary for independent community living. The instrument evaluates eight distinct functional domains. The scale has a minimum value of 0 and a maximum value of 8. A higher score indicates a better outcome, representing a higher level of functional independence and autonomy.

Selected items from the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT4) will be used for descriptive purposes to map chronic pain. The screening item registers the presence or absence of chronic pain. The subsequent 13 anatomical pain sites are formatted as checkboxes to register whether a complaint is present.

The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI-SF) assesses the frequency, severity, and impact of urinary incontinence on daily life. The instrument utilizes three scored items to calculate a total additive score, alongside one unscored self-diagnostic item. The scale has a minimum value of 0 and a maximum value of 21. A higher score indicates a worse outcome, representing greater symptom severity and a higher negative impact on quality of life.

The 6-Minute Walk Test evaluates functional exercise capacity and aerobic endurance. The test measures the total distance a participant can walk in a period of 6 minutes, with the outcome recorded in meters. A higher score indicates a better outcome (higher physical endurance and better functional mobility).

The 30-Second Chair Stand Test evaluates lower-body muscle strength and functional mobility. The test measures the total number of times a participant can stand up completely from a seated position in a period of 30 seconds without using their arms. A higher score indicates a better outcome.

The Hand Grip Strength Test evaluates isometric muscular strength of the hand and forearm using a hand-held dynamometer. The test measures the maximum squeezing force exerted by the participant, with the outcome recorded in kilograms (kg). A higher score indicates a better outcome.

The One-Leg Standing Test evaluates static balance and postural stability. The test measures the total duration a participant can maintain balance standing on a single leg, with the outcome recorded in seconds. A higher score indicates a better outcome (superior static balance and lower fall risk).

Body Composition analysis using the InBody 770 evaluates body composition metrics (including skeletal muscle mass and body fat mass) via multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis. Raw metrics are recorded in kilograms (kg) or percentages (%). For skeletal muscle mass, a higher score indicates a better outcome (greater muscle reserve), while for body fat mass, extreme scores in either direction indicate a worse outcome (clinical underweight or obesity).

Finger prick tests for glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides evaluate metabolic biomarkers using a capillary blood sample. Metrics are recorded in millimoles per liter (mmol/L). For glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides, elevated levels indicate a worse outcome (metabolic risk). Conversely, for high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, a higher score indicates a better outcome (cardiovascular protection).

Device-measured physical activity using accelerometers evaluates movement patterns through continuous objective monitoring for seven days. Outcomes are recorded as raw acceleration counts, which are used to calculate time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in minutes. A higher score indicates a better outcome (higher physical fitness and physical activity level).