The convergent validity of free-living physical activity monitoring as an outcome measure of functional ability in people with chronic low back pain

Ryan, C.G., Gray, H., Newton, M. and Granat, M.H. (2008) The convergent validity of free-living physical activity monitoring as an outcome measure of functional ability in people with chronic low back pain. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, 21(2), pp. 137-142.

Abstract

The objective measurement of free-living physical activity may be a useful method of assessing functional ability in different patient groups. The aim of this study was to investigate the convergent validity of free-living physical activity, as an outcome measure of functional ability in people with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Thirty-eight participants with CLBP were recruited from five physiotherapy out-patient departments. All participants completed the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), a measure of self-reported functional ability, and performed three physical performance tests; repeated sit-to-stand test, 50-foot walk test and 5-minute walk test. Each participant then wore a physical activity monitor, continuously, over a one week period to measure free-living physical activity. A relatively weak but statistically significant relationship was found between all three measurement methods (r = 0.32 to 0.44, p < 0.05). The strength of the correlations suggests that each method measures a related but unique aspect of functional ability for this patient group. These results show that free-living physical activity monitoring possesses a level of convergent validity as an outcome measure of functional ability and may be a useful adjunct to current functional ability assessment techniques in individuals with CLBP.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Gray, Dr Heather
• Authors: Ryan, C.G., Gray, H., Newton, M., and Granat, M.H.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Public Health
• Journal Name: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
• ISSN: 1053-8127
• ISSN (Online): 1878-6324