Outi Ilves

Reliability and validity of the Finnish version of the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS).

Abstract Purpose: The present study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the Finnish version of the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) among foot and ankle patients. Methods: The LEFS was translated and cross-culturally adapted to Finnish. We assessed the test–retest reliability, internal consistency, floor-ceiling effect, construct validity and criterion validity in patients who underwent surgery due to musculoskeletal pathology of the foot and ankle (N = 166). Results: The test–retest reliability was high (ICC = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.91–0.95). The standard error of measurement was 4.1 points. The Finnish LEFS showed high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.96). A slight ceiling effect occurred as 17% achieved the maximum score. The LEFS correlation was strong with the 15D Mobility dimension (r = 0.74) and overall HRQoL (r = 0.66), pain during foot and ankle activity (r= −0.69) and stiffness (r= −0.62). LEFS correlated moderately with foot and ankle pain at rest (r= −0.50) and with physical activity (r = 0.46). Conclusions: The Finnish version of the LEFS showed reliability and validity comparable to those of the original version. This study indicates that the Finnish version of the LEFS serves both clinical and scientific purposes in assessing lower-limb function. Implications for Rehabilitation The Finnish version of the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) is a reliable and valid tool for assessing lower-extremity musculoskeletal disability in Finnish-speaking population. Investigation of the psychometric properties of the Finnish version of the LEFS showed validity and reliability comparable to those of the original English version. The Finnish LEFS is easy to complete and suitable for clinical, rehabilitation and research purposes.

Reliability and validity of the Finnish version of the Visual Analogue Scale Foot and Ankle (VAS-FA)

BACKGROUND There have previously been no validated foot and ankle-specific patient-reported outcome measures in Finnish. METHODS The Visual Analogue Scale Foot and Ankle (VAS-FA) was translated and adapted into Finnish. Thereafter, 165 patients who had undergone foot and ankle surgery completed a questionnaire set on two separate occasions. Analyses included testing of floor-ceiling effect, internal consistency, reproducibility, and validity. RESULTS Minor linguistic differences emerged during the translation. Some structural adjustments were made. The mean (SD) total VAS-FA score was 74 (23). In the three subscales, maximum scores were noted in 2-5% of the responses, and internal consistency ranged from 0.81 to 0.94. Reproducibility was excellent (ICC, 0.97). The total VAS-FA score correlated significantly with the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (r=0.84) and the 15D Mobility dimension (r=0.79). The VAS-FA loaded on two factors (pain/movement and problems/limitations). CONCLUSIONS The Finnish version of the VAS-FA has high reliability and strong validity.

Trunk Muscle Strength After Lumbar Spine Fusion: A 12-Month Follow-up

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate changes in trunk muscle strength 12 months after lumbar spine fusion (LSF) compared to preoperative strength. Methods A total of 194 patients (mean±standard deviation [SD] age, 61±21 years) who underwent LSF participated in this prospective longitudinal study. Physical measurements of the participants were made before surgery and 12 months postoperatively. Isometric trunk extension and flexion strength was measured using a strain-gauge dynamometer in the standing position. Strength changes were calculated. Regression analysis was performed to explore which factors predicted strength levels at 12 months postoperatively. Results The preoperative mean±SD extension strength was 205±144 N, which increased to 258±142 N (p<0.001) at the 12-month follow-up. Flexion strength increased from 295±172 N to 364±164 N (p<0.001). The preoperative extension/flexion strength ratio was 0.75±0.38 and remained similar (0.73±0.26) at 12 months postoperatively (p=0.39). Conclusion Although trunk muscle strength increased by 26% for extension and 23% for flexion at the 12-month postoperative follow-up, both values remained objectively low. In addition, flexion strength remained higher than extension strength, which indicates an imbalance between those muscle groups. Age, severe back pain, and low trunk muscle strength before surgery predicted low trunk muscle strength at 1 year after spinal fusion.

Effectiveness of postoperative home-exercise compared with usual care on kinesiophobia and physical activity in spondylolisthesis : A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE To study the effectiveness of a 12-month exercise therapy on kinesiophobia and physical activity in patients with spondylolisthesis after lumbar spine fusion. DESIGN Randomized controlled trial. SUBJECTS Patients (n = 98) with spondylolisthesis who had undergone lumbar spine fusion. METHODS All patients (mean age 59 years) had received lumbar spine fusion surgery and identical postoperative instructions. Three months postoperatively, they were randomized into an exercise group (n = 48) or usual care group (n = 50). The exercise group received 12-month progressive home-based training with regular booster sessions, and the usual care group a single session of physiotherapy instruction. Kinesiophobia was assessed with the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK) and physical activity by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) preoperatively, 3 months after lumbar spine fusion, and at the end of the 12-month intervention. RESULTS Before the intervention, the median (first quartile; third quartile) of TSK was 32.5 (29.0; 37.0) in the exercise group and 30.0 (25.8; 36.0) in the usual care group, changing to 30.0 (25; 36) in the exercise group and to 30.5 (24; 36.3) in the usual care group (between-group p = 0.17). IPAQ metabolic equivalent minutes per week increased from 1,863 (1,040; 3,042) to 3,190 (1,634; 6,485) in the exercise group and from 2,569 (1,501; 4,075) to 3,590 (1,634; 6,484) in the usual care group (between-group p = 0.92). CONCLUSION Progressive 12-month home-exercise starting 3 months postoperatively was not superior to usual care in decreasing kinesiophobia or increasing physical activity in spondylolisthesis.