Predictors at 6 and 12 Months for Social Participation Outcome at 24 Months in the Adult Burn Injury Population: A Burn Model System National Database Study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify clinical factors (physical and psychological symptoms and post-traumatic growth) that predict social participation outcome at 24-month after burn injury. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study based on Burn Model System National Database. SETTING: Burn Model System centers. PARTICIPANTS: 181 adult participants less than 2 years after burn injury (N=181). INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Demographic and injury variables were collected at discharge. Predictor variables were assessed at 6 and 12 months: Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory Short Form (PTGI-SF), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist Civilian Version (PCL-C), Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-29) Depression, Anxiety, Sleep Disturbance, Fatigue, and Pain Interference short forms, and self-reported Heat Intolerance. Social participation was measured at 24 months using the Life Impact Burn Recovery Evaluation (LIBRE) Social Interactions and Social Activities short forms. RESULTS: Linear and multivariable regression models were used to examine predictor variables for social participation outcomes, controlling for demographic and injury variables. For LIBRE Social Interactions, significant predictors included the PCL-C total score at 6 months (ß=-0.27, P<.001) and 12 months (ß=-0.39, P<.001), and PROMIS-29 Pain Interference at 6 months (ß=-0.20, P<.01). For LIBRE Social Activities, significant predictors consisted of the PROMIS-29 Depression at 6 months (ß=-0.37, P<.001) and 12 months (ß=-0.37, P<.001), PROMIS-29 Pain Interference at 6 months (ß=-0.40, P<.001) and 12 months (ß=-0.37, P<.001), and Heat Intolerance at 12 months (ß=-4.55, P<.01). CONCLUSIONS: Post-traumatic stress and pain predicted social interactions outcomes, while depression, pain and heat intolerance predicted social activities outcomes in people with burn injury.

Moderation Effects of Daily Behavior on Associations Between Symptoms and Social Participation Outcomes After Burn Injury: A 6-Month Digital Phenotyping Study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the moderation effects of daily behavior on the associations between symptoms and social participation outcomes after burn injury. DESIGN: A 6-month prospective cohort study. SETTING: Community. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-four adult burn survivors. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Symptoms and social participation outcomes were assessed weekly using smartphone surveys, including symptoms of pain (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System [PROMIS] Pain Intensity and Pain Interference), anxiety (PROMIS Anxiety), and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire), as well as outcomes of social interactions and social activities (Life Impact Burn Recovery Evaluation [LIBRE] Social Interactions and Social Activities). Daily behaviors were automatically recorded by a smartphone application and smartphone logs, including physical activity (steps, travel miles, and activity minutes), sleep (sleep hours), and social contact (number of phone calls and message contacts). RESULTS: Multilevel models controlling for demographic and burn injury variables examined the associations between symptoms and social participation outcomes and the moderation effects of daily behaviors. Lower (worse) LIBRE Social Interactions and LIBRE Social Activities scores were significantly associated with higher (worse) PROMIS Pain Intensity, PROMIS Pain Interference, PROMIS Anxiety, and Patient Health Questionnaire-8 scores (P<.05). Additionally, daily steps and activity minutes were associated with LIBRE Social Interactions and LIBRE Social Activities (P<.05), and significantly moderated the association between PROMIS Anxiety and LIBRE Social Activities (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Social participation outcomes are associated with pain, anxiety, and depression symptoms after burn injury, and are buffered by daily physical activity. Future intervention studies should examine physical activity promotion to improve social recovery after burns.

Digital Interventions for Social Participation in Adults with Long-term Physical Conditions: A Systematic Review.

This review aims to identify and evaluate digital interventions for social participation in the growing population of adults with long-term physical conditions. Articles were sourced from MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsycINFO databases using subject headings and keywords related to "social participation" and "digital technology". Studies that adopted digital technology interventions to improve social participation in adults with long-term physical conditions were included. Data on study methodology, participant and digital intervention characteristics, and findings related to social participation were extracted. The search yielded a total of 4646 articles and 14 articles met criteria for final review with five randomized controlled trials, two non-randomized clinical trials and seven one-group pretest-posttest clinical trials. Studies were organized based on the digital intervention strategy implemented to improve social participation: group support (n = 4), individual skill training or counseling (n = 6), education and support (n = 3), and mixed intervention (n = 1). The group support interventions developed a social network among participants through videoconference, app, or virtual reality platform. Three studies reported positive improvements in different aspects of social participation. Individual skill training or counseling mainly utilized phone calls to help participants cope with activity participation and interpersonal relationship issues. Only two studies demonstrated benefits for social participation. The education and support intervention, which used messages and website information to increase participants' knowledge and provide support, showed positive findings in three studies. This review suggests digital interventions for improving social participation in adults with long-term physical conditions are feasible and the effectiveness of different strategies may vary.Registration: This review was prospectively registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (registry number: CRD42021254105).

A Concordance Table to Convert FIM Basic Mobility and Self-Care Scale Scores to SCI-FI/AT Scores.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate Spinal Cord Injury Functional Index Assistive Technology (SCI-FI/AT) scores from FIM motor items. DESIGN: Secondary data analysis. SETTING: Fourteen Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems (SCIMS) programs. PARTICIPANTS: Persons with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) discharged from inpatient rehabilitation at 14 SCIMS programs (N=1237). INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: FIM motor items were matched to SCI-FI/AT domains and summary scores for each measure were developed. The kernel-based method was employed to develop a concordance table to estimate SCI-FI/AT domain summary scores from content-matched FIM motor item summary scores. We conducted analyses to compare agreement between actual SCI-FI/AT summary scores (actual SCI-FI/AT_S) and estimated SCI-FI/AT summary scores (est-SCI-FI/AT_S) for the total sample and for participants with different SCI injury categories. RESULTS: Nine FIM items matched SCI-FI/AT basic mobility and self-care domain content. Pearson correlations for actual and est-SCI-FI/AT_S scores (0.79) were adequate for using concordance linking methods. Intraclass correlation coefficient values (0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.77-0.81) indicated moderate reliability. t tests revealed no significant differences between actual and est-SCI-FI/AT_S scores in the total sample. For almost 60% of the sample, actual and est-SCI-FI/AT_S score differences were <5 points (half of a SD). Greater differences between actual and est-SCI-FI/AT_S scores were noted for persons with tetraplegia American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scales (AISs) A, B, and C. CONCLUSIONS: Despite differences between the FIM and SCI-FI/AT assessments, we developed a concordance table to estimate self-care and basic mobility SCI-FI/AT scores from content-matched FIM motor item scores. This concordance table allows researchers to merge FIM data with SCI-FI/AT data to analyze SCI functional outcomes at the group level. However, owing to greater differences between actual and estimated scores, the concordance table should be used with caution to interpret scores for those with cervical-level injuries AISs A, B, C.

Validation of the Spinal Cord Injury-Functional Index for Use in Community-Dwelling Individuals With SCI.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Spinal Cord Injury-Functional Index (SCI-FI) instruments in a community-dwelling sample. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Community setting. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals (N=269) recruited from 6 SCI Model Systems sites. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Participants completed computer adaptive test and short form versions of 4 SCI-FI/Capacity (C) banks (ie, Ambulation, Basic Mobility, Fine Motor, Self-Care) and 1 SCI-FI/Assistive Technology (AT) bank (Wheelchair Mobility) at baseline and after 2 weeks. The Self-Report Functional Measure (SRFM) and the clinician-rated motor FIM were used to evaluate evidence of convergent validity. RESULTS: Pearson correlations, intraclass correlation coefficients, minimal detectable change, and Bland-Altman plots supported the test-retest reliability of the SCI-FI instruments. Correlations were large with the SRFM (.69-.89) and moderate-to-large for the FIM instrument (.44-.64), supporting convergent validity. Known-groups validity was demonstrated by a significant main effect of injury level on all instruments and a main effect of injury completeness on the SCI-FI/C instruments. A ceiling effect was detected for individuals with incomplete paraplegia on the Fine Motor/C and Self-Care/C Short Forms. CONCLUSION: Findings support the test-retest reliability, convergent validity, and known-groups validity of the SCI-FI/C instruments and the SCI-FI/AT Wheelchair Mobility instruments for use by community-dwelling individuals.

Physical Function Recovery Trajectories After Spinal Cord Injury.

OBJECTIVE: To explore trajectories of functional recovery that occur during the first 2 years after spinal cord injury (SCI). DESIGN: Observational cohort study. SETTING: Eight SCI Model System sites. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 479 adults with SCI completed 4 Spinal Cord Injury-Functional Index (SCI-FI) item banks within 4 months of injury and again at 2 weeks, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after baseline assessment (N=479). INTERVENTION: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: SCI-FI Basic Mobility/Capacity (C), Fine Motor Function/C, Self-care/C, and Wheelchair Mobility/Assistive Technology (AT) item banks. RESULTS: Growth mixture modeling was used to identify groups with similar trajectory patterns. For the Basic Mobility/C and Wheelchair Mobility/AT domains, models specifying 2 trajectory groups were selected. For both domains, a majority class exhibited average functional levels and gradual improvement, primarily in the first 6 months. A smaller group of individuals made gradual improvements but had greater initial functional limitations. The Self Care/C domain exhibited a similar pattern; however, a third, small class emerged that exhibited substantial improvement in the first 6 months. Finally, for individuals with tetraplegia, trajectories of Fine Motor Function/C scores followed 2 patterns, with individuals reporting generally low initial scores and then making either modest or large improvements. In individual growth curve models, injury/demographic factors predicted initial functional levels but less so regarding rates of recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Trajectories of functional recovery followed a small number of change patterns, although variation around these patterns emerged. During the first 2 years after initial hospitalization, SCI-FI scores showed modest improvements; however, substantial improvements were noted for a small number of individuals with severe limitations in fine motor and self-care function. Future studies should further explore the personal, medical, and environmental characteristics that influence functional trajectories during these first 2 years and beyond.

Spinal Cord Injury-Functional Index/Capacity: Responsiveness to Change Over Time.

OBJECTIVE: To establish responsiveness of 3 Spinal Cord Injury-Functional Index/Capacity (SCI-FI/C) item banks in the first year after spinal cord injury (SCI). DESIGN: Longitudinal patient-reported outcomes assessment replicated through secondary analysis of an independent data set. SETTING: A total of 8 SCI Model Systems rehabilitation hospitals in the United States. PARTICIPANTS: Study 1 participants included 184 adults with recent (≤4 months) traumatic SCI and 221 community-dwelling adults (>1 year post injury) (N=405). Study 2 participants were 418 individuals with recent SCI (≤4 months) (N=418). INTERVENTIONS: In study 1, SCI-FI/C computer adaptive tests were presented in a standardized interview format either in person or by phone call at baseline and 6-month follow-up. Responsiveness was examined by comparing 6-month changes in SCI-FI scores within and across samples (recently injured vs community-dwelling) because only the recent injury sample was expected to exhibit change over time. Effect sizes were also computed. In study 2, the study 1 results were cross-validated in a second sample with recent SCI 1 year after baseline measurement. Study 2 also compared the SCI-FI/C measures' responsiveness to that of the Self-reported Functional Measure (SRFM) and stratified results by injury diagnosis and completeness. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The SCI-FI Basic Mobility/C, Self-care/C and Fine Motor/C item banks (study 1 and study 2); Self-reported Functional Measure SRFM (study 2 only). RESULTS: In study 1, changes in SCI-FI/C scores between baseline and 6-month follow-up were statistically significant (P<.01) for recently injured individuals. SCI-FI Basic Mobility/C, Self-care/C, and Fine Motor/C item banks demonstrated small to medium effect sizes in the recently injured sample. In the community-dwelling sample, all SCI-FI/C effects were negligible (ie, effect size<0.08). Study 2 results were similar to study 1. As expected, SCI-FI Basic Mobility/C and Self-care/C were responsive to change for all individuals in study 2, whereas the SCI-FI Fine Motor/C was responsive only for individuals with tetraplegia and incomplete paraplegia. The SRFM demonstrated a medium effect size for responsiveness (effect size=0.65). CONCLUSIONS: The SCI-FI Basic Mobility/C and Self-care/C banks demonstrate adequate sensitivity to change at 6 months and 1 year for all individuals with SCI, while the SCI-FI/C Fine Motor item bank is sensitive to change in individuals with tetraplegia or incomplete paraplegia. All SCI-FI/C banks demonstrate stability in a sample not expected to change. Results provide support for the use of these measures for research or clinical use.

Greener on the other side? an analysis of the association between residential greenspace and psychological well-being among people living with spinal cord injury in the United States.

STUDY DESIGN: Secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from a multisite survey study. OBJECTIVES: To describe associations between residential greenspace and psychological well-being among adults living with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: Community. METHODS: Participants were from the Spinal Cord Injury-Quality of Life (SCI-QOL) Calibration Study (N = 313). Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis was used to define five- and half-mile buffer areas around participants' residential addresses to represent community and neighborhood environments, respectively, and to create measures of natural and developed open greenspace. Associations of greenspace measures with two SCI-QOL psychological well-being domains (positive affect and depressive symptoms) were modeled using ordinary least squares (OLS) regression, adjusted for demographic, injury-related, and community socioeconomic characteristics. RESULTS: People living in a community with a moderate amount of natural greenspace reported less positive affect and more depressive symptoms compared to people living in a community with low natural greenspace. At the neighborhood level, a moderate amount of developed open space was associated with less positive affect and more depressive symptoms than a low amount of developed open space. CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to expectations, residential greenspace had a negative relationship with psychological well-being in this sample of adults with SCI. Understanding how and why natural spaces are associated with quality of life for people with mobility disabilities can influence public policy and urban planning designs to ensure that residential greenspaces are accessible and beneficial to all.

Pediatric measure of participation short forms version 2.0: development and evaluation.

DESIGN: Mixed methods cohort study. OBJECTIVES: To develop and assess psychometric properties of the pediatric measure of participation (PMoP) short forms (SF) version 2.0. SETTING: Secondary analyses of data collected from 381 children with spinal cord injury (SCI) of at least 3-month duration living in the community, and 322 parents of children with SCI at three pediatric orthopedic hospitals in the United States. METHODS: Mixed methods iterative process to customize SF based on, highly relevant items, age and school analysis of item distributions; ceiling and floor effects; internal consistency and group-level reliability; correlation of SF scores with scores derived from the total item bank; and assessment of the degree to which item difficulty matched the abilities of children in the sample. RESULTS: PMoP SF V2.0 mean T scores ranged from 47.59 to 51.23. Overall, mean scores were somewhat higher for older children and parent respondents. Group-level reliability values ranged from 0.66 to 0.79; Cronbach's alpha values ranged from 0.79 to 0.90; ICC values ranged from 0.89 to 0.95. Pearson Correlations ranged from 0.80 to 0.95, showing good to strong correlation between scores from the SFs and total item bank for each domain. Test information function demonstrated that score estimates will be less precise at higher ends of the scale. CONCLUSIONS: PMoP SFs V2.0 contain items relevant to participation among children with SCI, and are tailored for four age groups and school status. They are recommended for use when computer adaptive testing (CAT) is not possible.

Determining a transitional scoring link between PROMIS® pediatric and adult physical health measures.

PURPOSE: Having independent versions of the PROMIS® scales (for Pediatric and Adults) is problematic as scores cannot be evaluated longitudinally as individuals move from childhood into adulthood. The primary aim of this research project is to use item response theory (IRT) to develop a transitional scoring link (or "crosswalk") between the PROMIS adult and pediatric physical health measures. SETTING: Sample 1 was collected at 6 rehabilitation hospitals in the U.S., and participants in Sample 2 were recruited from public health insurance programs and an online research panel. METHODS: PROMIS pediatric and adult physical function, mobility, upper extremity, fatigue, and pain measures were administered to a sample of 874 individuals aged 14-20 years old with special health needs and a sample of 641 individuals aged 14-25 years with a disability. IRT-based scores were linked using a linear approximation to calibrated projection. RESULTS: Estimated latent variable correlations ranged between 0.84 and 0.95 for the PROMIS pediatric and adult scores. Root Expected Mean Square Difference values were below the 0.08 threshold in all cases except when comparing genders on the Mobility (0.097) and Pain (0.10) scales in the special health care needs sample. Sum score conversion tables for the pediatric and adult PROMIS measures are presented. CONCLUSIONS: The linking coefficients can be used to calculate scale scores on PROMIS adult measures from pediatric measure scores and vice versa. This may lead to more accurate measurement in cross-sectional studies spanning multiple age groups or longitudinal studies that require comparable measurement across distinct developmental stages.

Tracking Spinal Cord Injury Functional Outcomes Across the Lifespan: Validation of Linking Coefficients.

OBJECTIVE: Validation of linking coefficients to transform Pediatric Spinal Cord Injury Activity Measure (PEDI-SCI/AM) scores to adult Spinal Cord Injury-Functional Index (SCI-FI) scores. DESIGN: This cross-sectional study administered PEDI-SCI/AM and SCI-FI computerized adaptive tests (CATs) and short forms (SFs) to children with SCI and parents or caregivers. SETTING: Hospitals, university, and rehabilitation institute. PARTICIPANTS: About 107 children with SCI and 96 parent or caregivers. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Linking coefficients estimated SCI-FI (est-SCI-FI) scores from PEDI-SCI/AM scores for matched domains. Correlations between est-SCI-FI and actual SCI-FI scores were calculated. If correlations exceeded the criterion linking (0.866), the following analyses to compare est-SCI-FI and actual SCI-FI scores were conducted: paired t tests, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs 3, 1), percent of cases with absolute score differences at different thresholds. RESULTS: Two matched domains, PEDI-SCI/AM Daily Routine/SCI-FI Self-Care and PEDI-SCI/AM General Mobility/SCI-FI Basic Mobility, met the linking criterion for both respondent-types (parent and child) and administration modes (CAT and SF). PEDI-SCI/AM Daily Routine and SCI-FI Fine Motor Function did not meet linking criterion for respondent type or mode. The linking criterion was met for wheelchair domains (child SF and CAT) and ambulation domains (child SF only). Significant differences between est-SCI-FI and actual SCI-FI scores were noted for all matched domains except Daily Routine/Self-Care (child SF only; parent SF and CAT). ICC values showed excellent agreement (range=0.75-0.89). Absolute differences between est-SCI-FI and actual SCI-FI scores were less than 1 standard deviation (except wheelchair CAT child). CONCLUSIONS: Linking coefficients applied to PEDI-SCI/AM scores can provide valid SCI-FI estimates that vary by domain, mode, and respondent type.

Contextualizing disability: a cross-sectional analysis of the association between the built environment and functioning among people living with spinal cord injury in the United States.

STUDY DESIGN: Secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from a multisite cohort study. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the association between the built environment and physical functioning reported by adults living with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: Four US Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems centers in New Jersey, Colorado, Illinois, and Michigan. METHODS: Participants were from the Spinal Cord Injury-Functional Index/Capacity (SCI-FI/C) development study. Survey data from N = 402 participants were geocoded for analysis. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis was used to define five- and half-mile buffer areas around participants' residential addresses to represent the community and neighborhood environments, respectively, and to create measures of land use, residential density, destination density, and park space. The relationships between these built environment features and four domains of physical functioning-basic mobility, wheelchair mobility, self-care, and fine motor function-were modeled using ordinary least squares (OLS) regression. RESULTS: People with paraplegia living in neighborhoods with more destinations and a nearby park reported higher levels of self-care functioning. For people with tetraplegia, living in a community with more destinations was associated with better wheelchair mobility and fine motor functioning, and living in a neighborhood with high land use mix was associated with higher fine motor functioning scores. CONCLUSIONS: The association between the built environment and functioning after SCI is supported and in need of further investigation. Understanding the environmental context of disability may lead to community-based interventions and effective public policy that will attenuate the experience of limitations and promote accessibility on a larger scale.

The Cerebral Palsy Profile of Health and Function: Upper-Extremity Domain's Sensitivity to Change Following Musculoskeletal Surgery.

PURPOSE: The Cerebral Palsy Profile of Health and Function (CP-PRO) Computerized Adaptive Tests (CAT) are quality of life measures developed specifically for use in children with cerebral palsy. This study examined the ability of the upper-extremity (UE) CP-PRO CAT to detect change in function after UE surgery compared with the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI), ABILHAND-Kids, and Box and Blocks test. METHODS: From 2009 to 2013, children with cerebral palsy who had UE musculoskeletal surgery completed the UE CP-PRO CAT, PODCI-UE, ABILHAND-Kids, and Box and Blocks tests before surgery (97 children) and at 3 postoperative intervals: 6 months (80 children), 12 months (73 children), and 24 months (52 children). Mean, SD, effect size (ES), and standardized response mean (SRM) values for each measure at each time interval and each level of the Manual Ability Classification System were calculated and compared. Finally, the minimal detectable change at the 90% confidence level was determined. RESULTS: Values for the ES (0.40) and SRM (0.53) for the UE CP-PRO CAT at baseline to 6 months were moderate and significantly greater than the PODCI-UE (ES, 0.18; SRM, 0.25). The ES and SRM for the PODCI-UE, ABILHAND-Kids, and Box and Blocks tests were not significantly greater than for the UE CP-PRO CAT at any period. From baseline to 6 months, the UE CP-PRO CAT detected a large and significant improvement for Manual Ability Classification System level II (SRM, 0.70; ES, 0.70). The minimal detectable change for the UE CP-PRO CAT was 5.20. CONCLUSIONS: The UE CP-PRO CAT is significantly better in detecting change in UE function in the first 6 months after surgery and is comparable to other measures at 12 and 24 months. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic II.

Sensitivity of the SCI-FI/AT in Individuals With Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the ability of the Spinal Cord Injury-Functional Index/Assistive Technology (SCI-FI/AT) measure to detect change in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). DESIGN: Multisite longitudinal (12-mo follow-up) study. SETTING: Nine SCI Model Systems programs. PARTICIPANTS: Adults (N=165) with SCI enrolled in the SCI Model Systems database. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: SCI-FI/AT computerized adaptive test (CAT) (Basic Mobility, Self-Care, Fine Motor Function, Wheelchair Mobility, and/or Ambulation domains) completed at discharge from rehabilitation and 12 months after SCI. For each domain, effect size estimates and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for subgroups with paraplegia and tetraplegia. RESULTS: The demographic characteristics of the sample were as follows: 46% (n=76) individuals with paraplegia, 76% (n=125) male participants, 57% (n=94) used a manual wheelchair, 38% (n=63) used a power wheelchair, 30% (n=50) were ambulatory. For individuals with paraplegia, the Basic Mobility, Self-Care, and Ambulation domains of the SCI-FI/AT detected a significantly large amount of change; in contrast, the Fine Motor Function and Wheelchair Mobility domains detected only a small amount of change. For those with tetraplegia, the Basic Mobility, Fine Motor Function, and Self-Care domains detected a small amount of change whereas the Ambulation item domain detected a medium amount of change. The Wheelchair Mobility domain for people with tetraplegia was the only SCI-FI/AT domain that did not detect significant change. CONCLUSIONS: SCI-FI/AT CAT item banks detected an increase in function from discharge to 12 months after SCI. The effect size estimates for the SCI-FI/AT CAT vary by domain and level of lesion. Findings support the use of the SCI-FI/AT CAT in the population with SCI and highlight the importance of multidimensional functional measures.

Detecting functional change in response to exercise in knee osteoarthritis: a comparison of two computerized adaptive tests.

BACKGROUND: The intent of this study was to examine and compare the ability to detect change of two patient reported outcome (PRO) instruments that use a computerized adaptive test (CAT) approach to measurement. The Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) Physical Function scale is a generic PRO, while the Osteoarthritis Computerized Adaptive Test (OA-CAT) is an osteoarthritis-specific PRO. METHODS: This descriptive, longitudinal study was conducted in a community setting, involving individuals from the greater Boston area. INCLUSION CRITERIA: age > 50, self-reported doctor-diagnosed knee osteoarthritis (OA) and knee pain. The PROMIS® Physical Function CAT and OA-CAT Functional Difficulty scale were administered at baseline and at the conclusion of a 6-week exercise program. Effect sizes (ES) were calculated for both measures, and bootstrap methods were used to construct confidence intervals and to test for significant ES differences between the measures. RESULTS: The OA-CAT Functional Difficulty scale achieved an ES of 0.62 (0.43, 0.87) compared to the PROMIS® Physical Function CAT ES of 0.42 (0.24, 0.63). ES estimates for the two CAT measures were not statistically different. CONCLUSIONS: The condition-specific OA-CAT and generic PROMIS® Physical Function CAT both demonstrated the ability to detect change in function. While the OA-CAT scale showed larger effect size, no statistically significant difference was found in the effect size estimates for the generic and condition-specific CATs. Both CATs have potential for use in arthritis research. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov on 6/21/11 (Identifier NCT01394874 ).

Differential item functioning in the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Pediatric Short Forms in a sample of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy.

AIM: The present study examined the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Mobility, Fatigue, and Pain Interference Short Forms (SFs) in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) for the presence of differential item functioning (DIF) relative to the original calibration sample. METHOD: Using the Graded Response Model we compared item parameter estimates generated from a sample of 303 children and adolescents with CP (175 males, 128 females; mean age 15y 5mo) to parameter estimates from the PROMIS calibration sample, which served as the reference group. DIF was assessed in a two-step process using the item response theory-likelihood ratio-differential item functioning detection procedure. RESULTS: Significant DIF was identified for four of eight items in the PROMIS Mobility SF, for two of eight items in the Pain Interference Scale, and for one item out of 10 on the Fatigue Scale. Impact of DIF on total score estimation was notable for Mobility and Pain Interference, but not for Fatigue. INTERPRETATION: Results suggest differences in the responses of adolescents with CP to some items on the PROMIS Mobility and Pain Interference SFs. Cognitive interviews about the PROMIS items with adolescents with varying degrees of mobility limitations would provide better understanding of how they are interpreting and selecting responses to the PROMIS items and thus help guide selection of the most appropriate way to address this issue.

Linkage between the PROMIS® pediatric and adult emotional distress measures.

PURPOSE: Research studies that measure health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in both children and adults and longitudinal studies that follow children into adulthood need measures that can be compared across these age groups. This study links the PROMIS pediatric and adult emotional distress measures using data from participants with diverse health conditions and disabilities. METHODS: Analyses were conducted and compared in two separate samples to confirm the stability of results. One sample (n = 874) included individuals aged 14-20 years with special health care needs and who require health services. The other sample (n = 641) included individuals aged 14-25 years who have a physical or cognitive disability. Participants completed both PROMIS pediatric and adult measures. Item response theory-based scores were linked using the linear approximation to calibrated projection. RESULTS: The estimated latent-variable correlation between pediatric and adult PROMIS measures ranged from 0.87 to 0.94. Regression coefficients ß 0 (intercept) and ß 1 (slope), and mean squared error are provided to transform scores from the pediatric to the adult measures, and vice versa. CONCLUSIONS: This study used a relatively new linking method, calibrated projection, to link PROMIS pediatric and adult measure scores, thus expanding the use of PROMIS measures to research that includes both populations.

Developing Artificial Neural Network Models to Predict Functioning One Year After Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury.

OBJECTIVE: To develop mathematical models for predicting level of independence with specific functional outcomes 1 year after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation for spinal cord injury. DESIGN: Statistical analyses using artificial neural networks and logistic regression. SETTING: Retrospective analysis of data from the national, multicenter Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems (SCIMS) Database. PARTICIPANTS: Subjects (N=3142; mean age, 41.5y) with traumatic spinal cord injury who contributed data for the National SCIMS Database longitudinal outcomes studies. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Self-reported ambulation ability and FIM-derived indices of level of assistance required for self-care activities (ie, bed-chair transfers, bladder and bowel management, eating, toileting). RESULTS: Models for predicting ambulation status were highly accurate (>85% case classification accuracy; areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve between .86 and .90). Models for predicting nonambulation outcomes were moderately accurate (76%-86% case classification accuracy; areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve between .70 and .82). The performance of models generated by artificial neural networks closely paralleled the performance of models analyzed using logistic regression constrained by the same independent variables. CONCLUSIONS: After further prospective validation, such predictive models may allow clinicians to use data available at the time of admission to inpatient spinal cord injury rehabilitation to accurately predict longer-term ambulation status, and whether individual patients are likely to perform various self-care activities with or without assistance from another person.

Spinal Cord Injury-Functional Index/Assistive Technology Short Forms.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Spinal Cord Injury-Functional Index/Assistive Technology (SCI-FI/AT) short forms (SFs) in the domains of basic mobility, self-care, fine motor function, and ambulation based on internal consistency; correlations between SFs and full item banks, and a 10-item computerized adaptive test (CAT) version; magnitude of ceiling and floor effects; and measurement precision across a broad range of function in a sample of adults with spinal cord injury (SCI). DESIGN: Cross-sectional cohort study. SETTING: Nine national Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems programs. PARTICIPANTS: A sample of adults with traumatic SCI (N=460) stratified by level of injury (paraplegia/tetraplegia), completeness of injury, and time since SCI. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: SCI-FI/AT full item bank, 10-item CAT, and SFs (with separate Self-Care and Fine Motor Function SFs for persons with tetraplegia and paraplegia). RESULTS: The SCI-FI/AT SFs demonstrated very good internal consistency, group-level reliability, and excellent correlations between SFs and scores based on the CAT version and the total item bank. Ceiling and floor effects are acceptable (except for unacceptable ceiling effects for persons with paraplegia on the Self-Care and Fine Motor Function SFs). The test information functions are excellent across a broad range of functioning typical of persons with paraplegia and tetraplegia. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians and researchers should consider using the SCI-FI/AT SFs to assess functioning with the use of assistive technology when CAT applications are not available.

Ability of PROMIS Pediatric Measures to Detect Change in Children With Cerebral Palsy Undergoing Musculoskeletal Surgery.

BACKGROUND: The Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) was developed to provide patient-reported outcome measures that are designed as being universally relevant across health conditions, low burden, and precise. A major problem for research and clinical practice in cerebral palsy (CP) is the void of outcomes instruments that are capable of evaluating the wide range of abilities and broad age spectrum inherent in this clinical population. Given the tremendous potential of PROMIS, the research questions for this study were "How do PROMIS pediatric computer adaptive tests and short forms detect change in children with CP following elective musculoskeletal surgery?" and "How do PROMIS instruments compare to the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Cerebral Palsy Module Version 3.0 (PedsQL CP), Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI), the Timed Up and Go (TUG), and the Gross Motor Functional Measure (GMFM)." METHODS: PROMIS Pediatric computer adaptive tests and short forms and the PedsQL, PODCI, TUG, and GMFM were administered before and after surgery. Effect size (ES) and standardized response mean (SRM) were calculated. Floor and ceiling effects were evaluated and, exposure rates for the PROMIS item banks were examined. RESULTS: ES and SRM for all PROMIS Pediatric Measures were nonsignificant. PedsQL CP detected significant, positive change in mobility at 6 (ES=0.26; SRM=0.31) and 12 (ES=0.36; SRM=0.36) months; pain at 12 months (ES=0.29; SRM=0.34); and fatigue at 6 (ES=0.24; SRM=0.22) and 12 (ES=0.36; SRM=0.41) months. Significant negative changes were detected by the PODCI (ES=-0.20; SRM=-0.26), GMFM (ES=-0.13; SRM=-0.24), and TUG (ES=-0.29; SRM=-0.25). Ceiling effects were high. Exposure to an appropriate range of the PROMIS Mobility item bank was limited. CONCLUSIONS: PROMIS measures were less able to detect change than other measures. PROMIS measures may be improved by tailoring start/stop rules or by adding items to include content appropriate for children with mobility impairments. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-diagnostic study.