Validity of the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure in athletes with chronic ankle instability.
BACKGROUND
The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) is a region-specific, non-disease-specific outcome instrument that possesses many of the clinimetric qualities recommended for an outcome instrument. Evidence of validity to support the use of the FAAM is available in individuals with a wide array of ankle and foot disorders. However, additional evidence to support the use of the FAAM for those with chronic ankle instability (CAI) is needed.


OBJECTIVE
To provide evidence of construct validity for the FAAM based on hypothesis testing in athletes with CAI.


METHODS
Between-groups comparison.


METHODS
Athletic training room.


METHODS
Thirty National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II athletes (16 men, 14 women) from one university.


METHODS
The FAAM including activities of daily living (ADL) and sports subscales and the global and categorical ratings of function.


RESULTS
For both the ADL and sports subscales, FAAM scores were greater in healthy participants (100 +/- 0.0 and 99 +/- 3.5, respectively) than in subjects with CAI (88 +/- 7.7 and 76 +/- 12.7, respectively; P < .001). Similarly, for both ADL and sports subscales, FAAM scores were greater in athletes who indicated that their ankles were normal (98 +/- 6.3 and 96 +/- 6.9, respectively) than in those who classified their ankles as either nearly normal or abnormal (87 +/- 6.6 and 71 +/- 11.1, respectively; P < .001). We found relationships between FAAM scores and self-reported global ratings of function for both ADL and sports subscales. Relationships were stronger when all athletes, rather than just those with CAI, were included in the analyses.


CONCLUSIONS
The FAAM may be used to detect self-reported functional deficits related to CAI.
Carcia
Christopher R
CR
Department of Physical Therapy, Duquesne University Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA. carcia@duq.edu
Martin
RobRoy L
RL
Drouin
Joshua M
JM
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000842:Ankle / Q000502:physiology*; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000502:physiology*; D006304:Health Status; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D013177:Sports; D013178:Sports Medicine; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires