Sensitivity to Change of the Lower Extremity Functional Scale in Patients With Stroke

Sensitivity to Change of the Lower Extremity Functional Scale and a Single-Item Functional Assessment Tool in Patients With Neurological Impairments Secondary to Stroke

The purpose of this study was to investigate the reliability, construct validity, and sensitivity to change of the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) in individuals affected by stroke.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the reliability, construct validity, and sensitivity to change of the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) in individuals affected by stroke. Patients were measured with the LEFS at the beginning and end of physical therapy treatment, or at 8 weeks of physical therapy treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Medically stable patients receiving inpatient or outpatient physical therapy care for lower extremity dysfunction due to stroke

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unable to understand English
• More than moderate assist for bed mobility and coming to sitting from the supine position
• Lower extremity amputation
• Unable to reach overhead, grasp an object, or feed self with an upper extremity