Measurement properties and normative data of a set of six physical assessments for use in primary healthcare

Abstract

Purpose To address the high rates of sickness absence due to musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders in Western countries, this study assessed the measurement properties of six standardised physical assessments to aid in treatment planning and provide guidance in work participation decisions. Materials and methods Two expert panels of physiotherapists evaluated the assessments for content validity, while three physiotherapists evaluated inter-tester reliability. The assessments’ normative data from healthy participants were collected and compared to data from individuals on full sick leave due to MSK disorders. The participants on full sick leave included employees from healthcare, primary schools, and kindergartens. Results The expert panels considered the assessments as easy to administer, score, and relevant for their patients, aside from the ACR tender points test. Inter-tester reliability was high, with ICC2.1 values between 0.80 and 0.94, although two assessments showed high measurement error. Healthy participants performed significantly better on all assessments compared to those on full sick leave. Conclusion The assessments were generally considered relevant and beneficial in clinical practice when used for patients with MSK disorders. Five of the six assessments are valid and reliable for evaluating physical function in these patients and showed an excellent ability to discriminate between healthy individuals and those with MSK disorders on sick leave. These assessments have the potential to be useful in clinical practice, complementing a holistic evaluation of function and the ability to work. More research is needed to further explore their potential for assessing work participation and their applicability to different occupational groups.