Responsiveness of the Arabic version of the lower extremity functional scale in individuals with lower extremity musculoskeletal disorders.

Abstract

To examine the responsiveness of the Arabic version of the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) in individuals with lower extremity musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Participants were recruited from outpatient physical therapy clinics and received physical therapy care. They completed the Arabic LEFS, RAND 36-Item Health Survey, and Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) at baseline and follow-up, and the Global Rating of Change (GRC) Scale at the follow-up after 3-4 weeks or upon discharge. Responsiveness was assessed by testing predefined hypotheses using Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients between changes in LEFS scores and changes in other outcome measures. Seventy-four participants with lower extremity MSDs were included. LEFS change scores showed moderate positive correlations with changes in RAND-36 physical functioning (<i>r</i> = 0.48), RAND-36 pain (<i>r</i> = 0.38), NPRS (<i>r</i> = 0.33), and GRC (<i>r</i> = 0.46) and a weak correlation with RAND-36 emotional well-being (<i>r</i> = 0.17). All findings were consistent with the predefined hypotheses, indicating sufficient responsiveness of the Arabic LEFS. The Arabic version of the LEFS exhibited satisfactory responsiveness, confirming its ability to detect changes in lower extremity function among individuals with lower extremity MSDs.