The Lower Extremity Gain Scale: A Performance-Based Measure to Assess Recovery After Hip Fracture
By Zimmerman, Sheryl; Hawkes, William G.; Hebel, J. Richard; Fox, Kathleen M.; Lydick, Eva; Magaziner, Jay; Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Vol. 87, No. 3, pp. 430-436Publication Date: March 2006
Study conducted to develop and determine the reliability and validity of the Lower Extremity Gain Scale (LEGS), which is a measure designed to overall functioning following a hip fracture. The LEGS evaluates concrete areas of functioning that often serve as benchmarks in recovery. An inability or regression from these benchmarks can lead therapists to believe that a client needs additional rehabilitation, closer monitoring, or supportive services. The researchers used survey data to identify activities difficult to perform after fracture, conducted focus groups, interviewed clients, and developed a standard to test the highest ranking daily living activities. Nine activities were found to be appropriate for inclusion in the LEGS: (1) walking 10 feet, (2) putting on a sock on the fractured side, (3) putting on a shoe on the fractured side, (4) rising from an armless chair, (5) stepping up stairs, (6) stepping down stairs, (7) getting onto the toilet, (8) rising off of the toilet, and (9) reaching for an item on the ground from a sitting position. The authors found that the LEGS can be easily administered by a clinician in a short period of time, while the scoring methods and performance norms can track recovery in activities of daily living that are most relevant in the lives of patients. Implications for future research are discussed.
Published by: W.B. Saunders Company, a division of Elsevier Health Sciences (Website:http://us.elsevierhealth.com)
American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Web Site: http://www.aapmr.org/ )
American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (Web Site: http://www.acrm.org )
