Participation survey/mobility: psychometric properties of a measure of participation for people with mobility impairments and limitations.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the development and psychometric properties of a self-report survey of participation by people with mobility limitations, the Participation Survey/Mobility (PARTS/M).


METHODS
The information obtained during interviews and focus groups was used to develop items for the PARTS/M. Demographics and measures of disability, health, and functioning were collected. The PARTS/M was administered twice.


METHODS
Primarily in the midwestern United States.


METHODS
Purposeful sample of 604 people with mobility limitations having a diagnosis of spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, stroke, or postpoliomyelitis.


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
PARTS/M is composed of 20 major life activities that are placed in 6 domains used in the activity/participation component of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health: self-care; mobility; domestic life; interpersonal interactions and relationships; major life areas; and community, social, and civic life. For each activity, questions were asked about components of participation including frequency, health-related limitations, importance, choice, satisfaction, use of assistive technology, and use of personal assistance.


RESULTS
PARTS/M domains and components of participation had good internal consistency and stability. Composite participation scores were developed for participation components and domains.


CONCLUSIONS
PARTS/M is a reliable measure of some aspects of participation in major life activities for people with mobility impairments and limitations living in community settings.
Gray
David B
DB
Department of Neurology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA. grayda@msnotes.wustl.edu
Hollingsworth
Holly H
HH
Stark
Susan L
SL
Morgan
Kerri A
KA
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003625:Data Collection; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D010358:Patient Participation; D011594:Psychometrics; D012650:Self Disclosure; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors