The Low Back Activity Confidence Scale (LoBACS): preliminary validity and reliability

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Science
• Clinical Psychology
• Health Outcomes Research

Background:

• Low back pain is a prevalent condition with many experiencing persistent or recurring symptoms.
• Self-efficacy is a key factor influencing functional recovery in individuals with low back pain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the preliminary reliability and validity of the Low Back Activity Confidence Scale (LoBACS).
• To assess LoBACS for individuals with a history of low back pain or lumbar surgery.

Main Methods:

• Two patient samples (n=21 for test-retest, n=53 for validity) who underwent microdiskectomy were studied.
• The LoBACS, measuring self-efficacy for function, self-regulation, and exercise, was administered and correlated with various outcome measures.

Main Results:

• The LoBACS demonstrated excellent to acceptable test-retest reliability and internal consistency across its subscales and total score.
• Subscale correlations supported the concurrent validity of the LoBACS with measures of physical performance, activity, pain, fear, disability, and quality of life.

Conclusions:

• The LoBACS exhibits preliminary content and concurrent validity.
• The scale demonstrates good interrater and internal consistency reliability for measuring self-efficacy in patients with low back pain and a history of lumbar microdiskectomy.