The Lower Extremity Gain Scale: a performance-based measure to assess recovery after hip fracture.
OBJECTIVE
To develop and determine the reliability and validity of a sensitive observational measure to assess recovery in clinically meaningful areas of function after hip fracture.


METHODS
Used survey data to identify activities difficult to perform after fracture; conducted focus groups; interviewed patients; and developed a standardized protocol to prospectively test the highest ranking activities.


METHODS
Evaluations conducted in 8 Baltimore hospitals or the patients' residence.


METHODS
Patients 2 to 24 months postfracture, 65 years and older, and community-dwelling.


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
The Lower Extremity Gain Scale (LEGS).


RESULTS
Nine performance-based activities were appropriate for administration in clinical and research settings: (1) walk 3m (10ft); put on a (2) sock and (3) shoe on the fractured side; (4) rise from an armless chair; step (5) up and (6) down 4 stairs; get (7) on and (8) off the toilet; and (9) reach for an item on the ground from a sitting position. Reproducibility is good and measures of internal consistency and content, concurrent, and construct validity are high.


CONCLUSIONS
The LEGS can be easily administered by clinicians in a short time as part of care. Research and clinical scoring methods and performance norms can track recovery in activities that are most relevant in the lives of patients.
Zimmerman
Sheryl
S
Program on Aging, Disability and Long-Term Care, Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, and the School of Social Work, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. Sheryl_Zimmerman@unc.edu
Hawkes
William G
WG
Hebel
J Richard
JR
Fox
Kathleen M
KM
Lydick
Eva
E
Magaziner
Jay
J
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006620:Hip Fractures / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010865:Pilot Projects; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013997:Time Factors; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*