Construct validity of a kinesiophysical functional capacity evaluation administered within a worker's compensation environment

J Occup Rehabil. 2003 Dec;13(4):287-95. doi: 10.1023/a:1026276822721.

Abstract

The construct validity of a kinesiophysical Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) administered within a worker's compensation context was examined. A cross-sectional study design was employed. Clinical and demographic information on workers' compensation claimants was extracted from a rehabilitation facility's database. Measures of interest were the Isernhagen Work Systems' (Duluth, MN) FCE, the Pain Disability Index (PDI), and a pain visual analogue scale (VAS). A multitrait Pearson correlation matrix was created to observe the pattern of relationships between variables. The sample consisted of 321 subjects with work-related, medically stable low back pain of median duration of 307 days. FCE performance was moderately correlated with the PDI (r = -0.44-0.52) and with the pain VAS (r = 0.34-0.45). Pain intensity was correlated highly with the PDI (r = 0.79). The moderate relationship between FCE and the PDI supports the construct validity of FCE as a functional measure. However, kinesiophysical FCE performance was not unrelated to pain severity ratings as purported.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Chronic Disease / economics
  • Chronic Disease / psychology
  • Chronic Disease / rehabilitation
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lifting
  • Low Back Pain / economics
  • Low Back Pain / psychology*
  • Low Back Pain / rehabilitation
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Movement
  • Occupational Health
  • Pain Measurement
  • Work Capacity Evaluation*
  • Workers' Compensation / statistics & numerical data