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.
VanSwearingen
J M
JM
Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA. jessievs+@pitt.edu
Brach
J S
JS
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