The Lower Limb Functional Index – A reliable and valid functional outcome assessment in burns. Issue 6 (September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gittings, Paul M.; Heberlien, Nicholas; Devenish, Neale; Parker, Matthew; Phillips, Michael; Wood, Fiona M.; Edgar, Dale W.
• Is Part Of: Burns. Volume 42:Issue 6(2016)
• Page Start: 1233
• Page End: 1240
• Publication Date: 2016-09
• Subjects: LLFI Lower Limb Functional Index -- LLFI-10 Lower Limb Functional Index-10 -- ROM range of motion -- TUG timed up and go; Burns -- Lower extremity -- Patient outcome assessment; Burns and scalds -- Periodicals; 617.11
• DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2016.03.028
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0305-4179

Abstract

Highlights: The Lower Limb Functional Index-10 is a reliable and valid assessment of lower limb function after burn. The Lower Limb Functional Index-10 is the first self-reported functional survey for lower limb burns. The Lower Limb Functional Index-10 should be used as one part of a lower limb assessment battery after burns. Abstract: Lower limb injuries account for up to 40% of all burns in Western Australia and affect physical function. Lower limb specific functional assessments are available to monitor recovery, yet no scale has been assessed for use in burns. The Lower Limb Functional Index (LLFI) which is validated in musculoskeletal patients was investigated for applicability in burn. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, principal components analysis and Rasch analysis. Validity was assessed using Spearman's correlation coefficient with quality of life assessments (BSHS-B & SF-36) and physical assessments (TUG & ankle ROM). Regression analysis was performed with burn severity measures, time of recovery and location of the burn. The LLFI-10 was applied 1368 times on 739 patients at regular time points. It was internally consistent ( α > 0.8) and unidimensional. Associations were demonstrated with the BSHS-B and SF-36 (rho = −0.56 to −0.72, p < 0.001), TUG (rho = 0.41, p < 0.001) and ankle ROM (rho = −0.31 to −0.35, p < 0.001). The LLFI-10 also showed associations ( p < 0.001) with time since injury (rho = −0.29), age (rho = 0.12) and TBSA (rho = 0.12). The LLFI-10 is a reliable and valid tool to assess function in lower limb burns. This study supports the use of the LLFI-10 as part of a battery of assessment for lower limb burn recovery.