Article

OBJECTIVE: To investigate reliability, validity, and sensitivity to change of the
Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) in individuals affected by stroke. The
secondary objective was to test the validity and sensitivity of a single-item
linear analog scale (LAS) of function. DESIGN: Prospective cohort reliability and
validation study. SETTING: A single rehabilitation department in an academic
medical center. PATIENTS: Forty-three individuals receiving neurorehabilitation
for lower extremity dysfunction after stroke were studied. Their ages ranged from
32 to 95 years, with a mean of 70 years; 77% were men. METHODS: Test-retest
reliability was assessed by calculating the classical intraclass correlation
coefficient, and the Bland-Altman limits of agreement. Validity was assessed by
calculating the Pearson correlation coefficient between the instruments.
Sensitivity to change was assessed by comparing baseline scores with end of
treatment scores. Measurements were taken at baseline, after 1-3 days, and at 4
and 8 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The LEFS, Short-Form-36 Physical Function
Scale, Berg Balance Scale, Six-Minute Walk Test, Five-Meter Walk Test, Timed
Up-and-Go test, and the LAS of function were used. RESULTS: The test-retest
reliability of the LEFS was found to be excellent (ICC = 0.96). Correlated with
the 6 other measures of function studied, the validity of the LEFS was found to
be moderate to high (r = 0.40-0.71). Regarding the sensitivity to change, the
mean LEFS scores from baseline to study end increased 1.2 SD and for LAS 1.1 SD.
CONCLUSION: LEFS exhibits good reliability, validity, and sensitivity to change
in patients with lower extremity impairments secondary to stroke. Therefore, the
LEFS can be a clinically efficient outcome measure in the rehabilitation of
patients with subacute stroke. The LAS is shown to be a time-saving and
reasonable option to track changes in a patient's functional status.
CI - Copyright (c) 2013 American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS