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The Dougados Functional Index with the 5-point Likert scale is sensitive to change due to intensive physiotherapy and
1Rehabilitation Institute of the Finnish Rheumatism Association, Kangasala, Finland. sirpa.heikkil@kolumbus.fi
Objective:
The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the Dougados Functional Index (DFI) with 5-point Likert scale is sensitive enough to demonstrate the efficacy of intensive physiotherapy and exercise.
Methods:
Eight-one consecutive patients with spondyloarthropathy (SpA) completed self-administered questionnaires on functional analysis, the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) and the DFI with 5-point Likert scale, at the beginning and end of a 3-week in-patient course based on intensive physiotherapy and exercise. The objective effect of the course was measured with 10 ranges of movement. After a 6-month follow-up the patients completed the questionnaires by mail for analysis of the lasting impact of rehabilitation on function.
Results:
The in-patient course was highly effective: all ranges of movement and both functional indices including the DFI with 5-point Likert scale improved to a highly significant degree. Six months later functional ability as measured by the DFI remained significantly better than at baseline before the in-patient course, but the BASFI had returned to the baseline level.
Conclusion:
The DFI with 5-point Likert scale is sensitive enough to demonstrate the effect of intensive physiotherapy and exercise.
