The convergent validity of free-living physical activity monitoring as an outcome measure of functional ability in people with chronic low back pain

Cormac G. Ryan, Heather Gray, Mary Newton, Malcolm H. Granat

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Citations (Scopus)

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 languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)137-142
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
Volume21
Issue number2
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2008

Keywords

  • functional ability
  • chronic low back pain
  • physical activity
  • convergent validity

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