Use of the continuous scale physical functional performance test in stroke survivors.
OBJECTIVE
To (1) determine the feasibility of the continuous scale physical functional performance 10-item test (CS-PFP10) for the measurement of physical function in stroke survivors, (2) characterize physical functional performance of stroke survivors and their matched controls, and (3) explore the associations among physical functional performance, ambulatory activity, and peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak).


METHODS
Case control.


METHODS
University research setting.


METHODS
Ten participants with stroke and 10 healthy controls matched for age, sex, and physical activity.


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
The CS-PFP10 test was used to measure functional ability. The test requires performance of 10 serial tasks that range from low to high difficulty. The step activity monitor was used to measure absolute ambulatory activity and was reported as the average number of steps a day over a 4-day period. VO2peak was determined using a metabolic cart and a recumbent cycle ergometer.


RESULTS
Stroke survivors scored lower than healthy controls on all individual tasks, domains, and the total score on the CS-PFP10. Higher VO2peak was associated with higher total scores on the CS-PFP10 in both stroke survivors and controls. In stroke survivors, lower levels of impairment (as indicated by the Chedoke-McMaster stroke assessment) were associated with higher total CS-PFP10 scores.


CONCLUSIONS
The CS-PFP10 is a measure of physical performance that is feasible to use with ambulatory participants with stroke. Future investigations with people with stroke should explore the ability of the CS-PFP10 to provide meaningful information about change in CS-PFP10 subscales with interventions that target items on the subscales, such as balance or upper extremity strength.
Manns
Patricia J
PJ
Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. trish.manns@ualberta.ca
Tomczak
Corey R
CR
Jelani
Anwar
A
Cress
M Elaine
ME
Haennel
Robert
R
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D051341:Dependent Ambulation; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005080:Exercise Test; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D009983:Orthopedic Equipment; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D020127:Recovery of Function; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016138:Walking