Validity of the Multidimensional Task Ability Profile

Background The Multidimensional Task Ability Profile (MTAP) is a patient-reported outcome (PRO) measure that provides a global score linked to the physical demand characteristics of work, but needs to be validated against established measures. Purpose To assess the concurrent validity of the MTAP compared with the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Neck Disability Index (NDI), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), and Short Form 12 Health-Related Quality of Life (SF-12) questionnaires. Methods An observational study was conducted in 157 patients undergoing musculoskeletal rehabilitation. At baseline and after 30 days of treatment, patients completed the MTAP, ODI, NDI, DASH, LEFS, and SF-12 and provided self-reported work status. Results At baseline and after 30 days, convergent validity between the MTAP and DASH, LEFS, NDI, and ODI was good to excellent. Concurrent validity between the MTAP and SF-12 physical component score (PCS) and mental component score (MCS) was moderate or fair, respectively. Sensitivity to change over the 30-day treatment interval was established for the MTAP, SF-12 PCS, SF-12 MCS, and LEFS. Fair to moderate predictive validity for work status was found for the MTAP, ODI, NDI, DASH, and SF-12 PCS. Conclusions The MTAP demonstrated adequate concurrent validity, predictive validity, and sensitivity to change compared to other PROs. For patients with various impairment types, the MTAP may be a useful omnibus measure to supplement specialty instruments such as the DASH, NDI, ODI, or LEFS.