Validation of a treatment-based classification system for individuals with facial neuromotor disorders.
OBJECTIVE
A method for linking treatments to signs and symptoms of facial neuromotor disorders is needed. We describe the construct validation of a treatment-based classification system for facial neuromotor disorders.


METHODS
Based on physical signs and symptoms, 148 patients (mean age = 48.9 years, SD = 16.1, range = 20-93) were assigned to treatment-based categories. The pattern of impairment and disability was compared with clinic expectations.


RESULTS
The distribution of impairment and disability scores demonstrated the expected signs and symptoms of the treatment-based categories. Confirmatory principal-components factor analysis indicated 4 factors, corresponding to the treatment-based categories; the factor loadings confirmed the presence of the key sign or symptom characteristic of the categories.


CONCLUSIONS
Classifying facial neuromotor disorders into treatment-based categories appears to be a valid method for categorizing patients with specific impairments or disabilities and may be useful in linking treatments to outcomes.
Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA. jessievs+@pitt.edu
J M
JM
VanSwearingen
J S
JS
Brach
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005155:Facial Nerve Diseases / Q000145:classification* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D015203:Reproducibility of Results