Spinal cord injury−functional index/capacity: Responsiveness to change over time

Model System:

SCI

Reference Type:

Journal article

Accession No.:

J88396

Journal:

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

2022 , 103, 2, 199-206

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Two studies evaluated the responsiveness of 3 Spinal Cord Injury−Functional Index/Capacity (SCI-FI/C) item banks in the first year after spinal cord injury (SCI). Participants were recruited from 8 SCI Model Systems rehabilitation hospitals in the United States. In study 1, SCI-FI/C computer adaptive tests were presented in a standardized interview format either in person or by phone call at baseline and 6-month follow-up. Responsiveness was examined by comparing 6-month changes in SCI-FI scores within and across samples (recently injured vs community-dwelling) because only the recent injury sample was expected to exhibit change over time. Effect sizes were also computed. In study 2, the study 1 results were cross-validated in a second sample with recent SCI 1 year after baseline measurement. Study 2 also compared the SCIFI/C measures’ responsiveness to that of the Self-reported Functional Measure (SRFM) and stratified results by injury diagnosis and completeness. Study 1 participants included 184 adults with recent (≤4 months) traumatic SCI and 221 community-dwelling adults (>1 year post injury). Study 2 participants were 418 individuals with recent SCI (≤4 months). In study 1, changes in SCI-FI/C scores between baseline and 6-month follow-up were statistically significant for recently injured individuals. SCI-FI Basic Mobility/C, Self-care/C, and Fine Motor/C item banks demonstrated small-to-medium effect sizes in the recently injured sample. In the community-dwelling sample, all SCI-FI/C effects were negligible. Study 2 results were similar to study 1. SCI-FI Basic Mobility/C and Self-care/C were responsive to change for all individuals in study 2, whereas the SCI-FI Fine Motor/C was responsive only for individuals with tetraplegia and incomplete paraplegia. The SRFM demonstrated a medium effect size for responsiveness. Results provide support for the use of these measures for research or clinical use.

Author(s):