Abstract
The objective measurement of free-living physical activity may be a useful method of assessing functional ability in different patient groups. The aim of this study was to investigate the convergent validity of free-living physical activity, as an outcome measure of functional ability in people with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Thirty-eight participants with CLBP were recruited from five physiotherapy out-patient departments. All participants completed the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), a measure of self-reported functional ability, and performed three physical performance tests; repeated sit-to-stand test, 50-foot walk test and 5-minute walk test. Each participant then wore a physical activity monitor, continuously, over a one week period to measure free-living physical activity. A relatively weak but statistically significant relationship was found between all three measurement methods (r = 0.32 to 0.44, p <0.05). The strength of the correlations suggests that each method measures a related but unique aspect of functional ability for this patient group.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 137-142 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation |
Volume | 21 |
Issue number | 2 |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2008 |
Keywords
- functional ability
- chronic low back pain
- physical activity
- convergent validity