The Locomotor Capabilities Index; validity and reliability of the Swedish version in adults with lower limb amputation

• Main Authors: Andersson Ingemar H, Johannesson Anton, Larsson Brita, Atroshi Isam
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2009-05-01
• Series: Health and Quality of Life Outcomes
• Online Access: http://www.hqlo.com/content/7/1/44

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The Locomotor Capabilities Index (LCI) is a validated measure of lower-limb amputees' ability to perform activities with prosthesis. We have developed the LCI Swedish version and evaluated its validity and reliability.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Cross-cultural adaptation to Swedish included forward/backward translations and field testing. The Swedish LCI was then administered to 144 amputees (55 women), mean age 74 (40–93) years, attending post-rehabilitation prosthetic training. Construct validity was assessed by examining the relationship between the LCI and Timed "Up-and-Go" (TUG) test and between the LCI and EQ-5D health utility index in 2 subgroups of 40 and 20 amputees, respectively. Discriminative validity was assessed by comparing scores in different age groups and in unilateral and bilateral amputees. Test-retest reliability (1–2 weeks) was evaluated in 20 amputees (14 unilateral).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The Swedish LCI showed good construct convergent validity, with high correlation with the TUG (r = -0.75) and the EQ-5D (r = 0.84), and discriminative validity, with significantly worse mean scores for older than younger and for bilateral than unilateral amputees (p < 0.01), and high internal consistency (Cronbach alpha 0.95). In test-retest reliability the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.91 (95% CI 0.79–0.96) but for the unilateral amputees was 0.83 (95% CI 0.56–0.94). Ceiling effect occurred in 23%.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The Swedish version of the LCI demonstrated good validity and internal consistency in adult amputees. Test-retest reliability in a small subsample appears to be acceptable. The high ceiling effect of the LCI may imply that it would be most useful in assessing amputees with low to moderate functional abilities.</p>