Test–retest reliability and responsiveness of a French Canadian Upper Limb Functional Index (ULFI-FC)

Abstract

Purpose: The Upper Limb Functional Index (ULFI) is a self-report questionnaire assessing activity limitations and participation restrictions resulting from an upper limb musculoskeletal disorder (MSD). A French Canadian version of the ULFI (ULFI-FC) has recently demonstrated good internal consistency, and convergent validity, as well as clinical applicability in a rehabilitation context where clinicians have important time constraints. This study aimed to examine the test–retest reliability and responsiveness of the ULFI-FC. Methods: In order to study the ULFI-FC’s responsiveness, 60 participants completed the ULFI-FC and a French Canadian version of the DASH (DASH-FC) twice at an interval of two to six weeks, based on the evolution of their upper limb MSD. Half of the sample also completed the ULFI-FC three days after the second assessment for the test–retest reliability analysis. Results: The ULFI-FC demonstrated high test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.92–0.97) and good internal responsiveness (Cohen’s d = 0.49–0.62; standardized responsive means = 0.60–0.88). External responsiveness was further supported by moderate correlations of change scores with the DASH-FC (r = 0.42–0.64). Conclusions: Study findings support the use of the ULFI-FC in rehabilitation as an outcome measure to monitor activity limitations and participation restrictions among French-speaking patients presenting with upper limb MSD.Implications for RehabilitationThe ULFI-FC is a reliable and valid tool with good responsiveness to change for assessing activity limitations and participation restrictions in adults presenting with upper limb musculoskeletal disorders.This tool can thus be useful in clinical and research settings.By exploring meaningful activities that are affected by patients' upper limb musculoskeletal disorders, the tool's Patient Specific Index is particularly relevant for clinicians adhering to a patient-centered approach.