Validation of the spinal cord injury-functional index for use in community-dwelling individuals with SCI

Model System:

SCI

Reference Type:

Journal article

Accession No.:

J88395

Journal:

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

2022 , 103, 2, 191-198

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Spinal Cord Injury-Functional Index (SCI-FI) instruments in a community-dwelling sample. A total of 269 individuals recruited from 6 SCI Model Systems sites completed computer adaptive test and short-form versions of 4 SCI-FI/Capacity (C) banks (i.e., Ambulation, Basic Mobility, Fine Motor, Self-Care) and 1 SCI-FI/Assistive Technology (AT) bank (Wheelchair Mobility) at baseline and after 2 weeks. The Self-Report Functional Measure (SRFM) and the clinician-rated motor FIM were used to evaluate evidence of convergent validity. Pearson correlations, intraclass correlation coefficients, minimal detectable change, and Bland-Altman plots supported the test-retest reliability of the SCI-FI instruments. Correlations were large with the SRFM and moderate to large for the FIM instrument, supporting convergent validity. Known-groups validity was demonstrated by a significant main effect of injury level on all instruments and a main effect of injury completeness on the SCI-FI/C instruments. A ceiling effect was detected for individuals with incomplete paraplegia on the Fine Motor/C and Self-Care/C Short Forms. Findings support the test-retest reliability, convergent validity, and known-groups validity of the SCI-FI/C instruments and the SCI-FI/AT Wheelchair Mobility instruments for use by community-dwelling individuals.

Author(s):