RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Responsiveness to Change of 10 Physical Tests Used for Patients With Back Pain
JF Demo Journal of Physical Therapy
FD HighWire Press
SP 404
OP 415
DO 10.demo/ptj.20100016
VO 91
IS 3
A1 Strand, Liv Inger
A1 Anderson, Bodil
A1 Lygren, Hildegunn
A1 Skouen, Jan Sture
A1 Ostelo, Raymond
A1 Magnussen, Liv Heide
YR 2011
UL http://demo.highwire.org/content/91/3/404.abstract
AB Background Few studies have examined the responsiveness of physical tests.Objective The purpose of this study was to explore the responsiveness of 10 physical tests used for patients with back pain in order to illuminate the significance of changes in scores.Design Cross-sectional and longitudinal designs within a prospective cohort study were applied.Methods Distribution-based and anchor-based methods were used. Ninety-eight patients (18–65 years of age) with long-lasting back pain were recruited consecutively at an outpatient spine clinic.Measurements The participants were assessed using 10 physical tests and 2 questionnaires (Hannover Functional Ability Questionnaire and Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire) at inclusion and after rehabilitation. Six predefined hypotheses for each test were examined regarding the association between changes in scores on the physical tests and the self-report measures of functioning and regarding the relationship of changes in scores on the physical tests and external anchors of important change.Results Five physical tests demonstrated responsiveness by both distribution-based and anchor-based methods: spondylometry, lateral flexion test, fingertip-to-floor test, lift test, and Back Performance Scale (4 hypotheses confirmed). The minimal important change values were all within the range of the smallest detectable change for individual patients. Responsiveness by distribution-based methods only (3 hypotheses confirmed) was shown for the Biering-Sørensen test and the loaded reach test, whereas little evidence of responsiveness (1 hypothesis confirmed) was shown for the Global Physiotherapy Examination flexibility subscale, the Progressive Isoinertial Lifting Evaluation, and the 15-m (50-ft) walk test.Limitations The smallest detectable change values were examined in a small sample of patients and need further exploration.Conclusions Responsiveness varied among the 10 physical tests.