Responsiveness to change of 10 physical tests used for patients with back pain
Liv Inger Strand1, Bodil Anderson, Hildegunn Lygren
1Department of Public Health and Primary Health Care, Physiotherapy Research Group, University of Bergen, Kalfarveien 31, 5018 Bergen, Norway. liv.strand@isf.uib.no
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.
