Article

The Lower Limb Function Questionnaire (LLFQ) was developed as a
self-report assessment of lower-limb functional ability for orthotic and
prosthetic (O&P) device users to be suitable for a wide range of conditions,
cultures, and ages. The measure aims to address an existing gap in tools for the
assessment of functional ability in this population. The purpose of this study is
to evaluate LLFQ reliability and validity in a sample of young adult O&P users.
Methods Adolescents from a secondary school in Kenya completed the LLFQ twice, 6
d apart, and test-retest reliability was assessed using intra-class correlation
coefficients. Validity evaluations involved Timed Up-and-Go, 6-min walk, 6-min
obstacle course, and/or spatiotemporal gait assessments. Oxygen consumption was
measured during walk tests. Associations between the LLFQ and each measure were
evaluated using Pearson correlation coefficients for construct validity. Results
LLFQ reliability was acceptable (ICC = 0.79, 95% CIs 0.64-0.89). Construct
validity was demonstrated via moderate correlation (r > 0.60) with obstacle
course distance, gait velocity, stride length, and stance/single support/double
support percent of gait cycle. Conclusions Both LLFQ reliability and validity
were acceptable in the sample of youth in Kenya. Further testing is required to
determine applicability in other cultural contexts. Implications for
Rehabilitation The LLFQ may be clinically useful across a variety of cultures and
conditions to provide feedback on the effectiveness of rehabilitative treatment
or assistive devices for youth with lower limb impairments. The LLFQ may enable
specific strengths and challenges to lower limb function to be identified to
enable planning of well-targeted rehabilitation.

Langue : ANGLAIS