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Test-retest and interrater reliability of the functional lower extremity evaluation
Karyn Haitz1, Rebecca Shultz, Melissa Hodgins
1Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy
|November 15, 2014
Summary
The Functional Lower Extremity Evaluation (FLEE) demonstrates strong reliability for assessing lower extremity function in athletes. Sports medicine professionals deem it clinically important, though its current usage is limited.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Biomechanics
- Clinical Assessment
Background:
- The Functional Lower Extremity Evaluation (FLEE) is a comprehensive assessment tool for lower extremity function.
- It comprises 8 standardized tests evaluating control, power, and endurance.
- Reliability and normative data for FLEE in healthy athletes were previously undetermined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish the test-retest and interrater reliability of the FLEE.
- To determine the face validity of the FLEE among sports medicine professionals.
Main Methods:
- A face validity survey was distributed to sports medicine personnel.
- The FLEE was administered to 40 uninjured athletes.
- Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to assess reliability.
Main Results:
- Interrater reliability ICCs ranged from 0.83 to 1.00.
- Test-retest reliability ICCs ranged from 0.71 to 0.95.
- 58%–71% of respondents found FLEE tests highly important, but only 26%–45% used them frequently.
Conclusions:
- The FLEE is a reliable tool for assessing lower extremity function.
- Sports medicine professionals recognize the clinical importance of FLEE tests.
- Further research is needed to evaluate FLEE's impact on return-to-play decisions and reinjury rates.
