Related Experiment Videos
The General Function Score: a useful tool for measurement of physical disability. Validity and reliability
O Hägg1, P Fritzell, K Romberg
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Sahlgren University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden. ollehagg@hotmail.com
Summary
The General Function Score (GFS) is a new, validated tool for assessing physical disability in low back pain patients. It is a reliable and feasible instrument for evaluating physical function.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Clinical Assessment Tools
Background:
- Low back pain (LBP) necessitates reliable disability assessment tools.
- Existing disability scores can be complex.
- There is a need for a disease-specific, user-friendly instrument.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate the nine-item General Function Score (GFS) for assessing physical disability in LBP.
- To evaluate the GFS's validity, reliability, feasibility, and responsiveness.
Main Methods:
- The GFS was developed from a 17-item questionnaire, with 11 items validated against a performance test.
- The nine-item GFS was tested across six cohorts, including chronic LBP patients and surgical patients.
- Statistical analyses included Spearman Rank correlation, Mann-Whitney test, and Cronbach's alpha.
Main Results:
- The GFS demonstrated high criterion validity (0.78-0.88) and internal consistency (0.69-0.86).
- Excellent test-retest reliability (0.88) and high responsiveness (effect sizes 0.55-0.96) were observed.
- The questionnaire was feasible, with a 98.3-100% response rate and a mean completion time of 1.2 minutes.
Conclusions:
- The General Function Score (GFS) is a highly valid, reliable, and responsive instrument for evaluating physical disability in LBP.
- The GFS serves as a practical alternative to more complex disability indices.
- Its feasibility makes it suitable for clinical use and research in LBP.