Physical functional performance in persons using a manual wheelchair.
METHODS
Descriptive study.


OBJECTIVE
To develop a performance-based physical functional measure for people using a manual wheelchair, and to evaluate the feasibility and reliability of the administration of the new procedure.


BACKGROUND
Most performance-based measures of physical function focus on balance and ambulation impairments. Recent developments of performance measures fail to produce a valid and reliable performance-based measure to quantify physical function in people who must rely on upper-body function to mobilize.


METHODS
Eighteen adults (ages 18 to 67 years) who used a nonmotorized wheelchair participated in this study. Volunteers performed selected tasks from the Continuous Scale Physical Functional Performance (CS-PFP) test, modified for persons using a wheelchair. Outcome measures included scores on the Wheelchair Physical Functional Performance (WC-PFP) test and the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP) questionnaire.


RESULTS
Participants had substantial disability (mean total SIP > 20). Total and domain scores of the WC-PFP had no ceiling or floor effects and were reproducible with intraclass correlation coefficients ranging from 0.87 to 0.96. Poorer self-rated health was correlated with poorer performance in the upper-body domain of the WC-PFP (r = -0.45). Those reporting disability in bathing and dressing using the SIP had significantly lower WC-PFP scores, indicating that the WC-PFP had construct validity. A significant correlation was not found between WC-PFP and the ambulation and mobility domains of the SIP.


CONCLUSIONS
The WC-PFP provides a reliable and quantifiable measure of mobility in persons who use a manual wheelchair.
Cress
M Elaine
ME
University of Georgia, Department of Exercise Science, Gerontology Center, Athens 30602-6554, USA. mecress@coe.uga.edu
Kinne
Susan
S
Patrick
Donald L
DL
Maher
Erin
E
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005260:Female; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D014910:Wheelchairs