Patient Reported Outcomes Measures Information System (PROMIS) Physical Function and Common Performance‐Based Measures of Function in Patients With Neurologic Conditions in Outpatient Rehabilitation

TL;DR

This study explores how patient-reported physical function scores relate to actual physical performance tests in patients with neurological conditions receiving outpatient therapy.

Contribution

The study provides new evidence on the relationship between PROMIS-PF scores and performance-based measures in neurologic outpatient settings.

Findings

PROMIS-PF showed a strong association with the 10-meter walk test (r = 0.60).

Moderate relationships were found between PROMIS-PF and the TUG and 5×STS tests.

The 10-meter walk test explained the most variation in PROMIS-PF scores (34.8%).

Abstract

It is unknown how Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measures Information System Physical Function (PROMIS‐PF) corresponds to physical abilities and common performance‐based measures of function in patients with neurologic conditions/disorders in outpatient, ambulatory settings. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between PROMIS‐PF and common performance‐based measures of function in patients with neurologic conditions receiving outpatient physical therapy (PT).

A retrospective analysis of clinical data was conducted from 11 outpatient neurologic PT clinics within a large health care system between 12/2/2019 and 12/30/2022. Adult patients with neurologic conditions who had at least one performance‐based functional measure [Timed up and go (TUG), 5 times sit to stand (5 × STS), and 10‐m walk test (10 MWT)] and one PROMIS‐PF score within 7 days were included. Pearson correlations and linear regression models were used to examine the relationships between the PROMIS‐PF and performance‐based measures.

In our study of 1712 patients (average age 59 (SD 16) years, 44% male, 81% white race), there was a moderate relationship between PROMIS‐PF and TUG and PROMIS‐PF and 5 × STS (r = −0.31 and −0.38, respectively; p < 0.001). There was a strong association between PROMIS‐PF and 10 MWT (r = 0.60; p < 0.001). In linear regression models, the variation in PROMIS‐PF explained by the performance measures was the highest for 10 MWT (34.8%), followed by 5 × STS, and TUG (13.5% and 9%, respectively).

Results demonstrated moderate associations between PROMIS‐PF and performance‐based measures. Both types of measures provide complementary clinical information for outpatients with neurological conditions.

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