Linking physical therapy outcome measures to the Brief International Classification of Functioning Core Set for Hand Conditions in subjects with ulnar wrist pain

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Abdelmegeed, Mohamed^{a; b; *} | Lohman, Everett^a | Daher, Noha^{c; d} | Syed, Hasan M.^e

Affiliations: [a] Department of Physical Therapy, School of Allied Health Professions, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA | [b] Department of Orthopedic Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt | [c] Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Population Medicine, School of Public Health, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA | [d] School of Allied Health Professions, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA | [e] Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author: Mohamed A. Abdelmegeed, Department of Physical Therapy, School of Allied Health Professions, Loma Linda University, 24851 Circle Dr. Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA. Tel.: +1 909 583 4966; E-mail: dr.maf_ortho@yahoo.com.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to apply the Brief International Classification of Functioning (ICF) Core Set for Hand Conditions to the physical therapy outcome measures, and to evaluate the contribution of these measures to overall health in subjects with ulnar wrist pain. METHODS: Thirty-five subjects with ulnar wrist pain received a 4-week home-based treatment program including orthotics and strengthening exercises. Investigators measured pain, function, grip strength, and overall health four weeks post-intervention. Regression analysis was used to investigate the effect of these variables on overall health represented by the Short Form (SF-36) questionnaire. RESULTS: Fifty-three percent of the variability in SF-36 physical health summary scores was explained by the studied variables with grip strength predicting 31% of the variability. CONCLUSIONS:The Brief ICF Core Set for Hand Conditions can be a useful abridged list of categories relevant to functioning and health in subjects with ulnar wrist pain.

Keywords: Ulnar wrist pain, Brief International Classification of Functioning Core Set, hand conditions, physical therapy

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-181181

Journal: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 32, no. 5, pp. 707-715, 2019