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Lower Extremity Functional Scale
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About Lower Extremity Functional Scale
Scale Name
Lower Extremity Functional Scale
Author Details
Binkley, J. M., Stratford, P. W., Lott, S. A., and Riddle, D. L.
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) is a self-report questionnaire designed to assess an individual’s functional impairment related to lower extremity conditions. Developed by Binkley et al. (1999), the LEFS evaluates a person’s ability to perform daily physical activities that involve the hip, knee, ankle, or foot.
The scale is widely used in clinical practice and research to measure functional recovery, treatment effectiveness, and rehabilitation progress in individuals with musculoskeletal injuries, arthritis, post-surgical conditions, and mobility impairments.
Key Features of LEFS:
- 20-item questionnaire assessing lower extremity function.
- 5-point Likert scale (0 = extreme difficulty, 4 = no difficulty).
- Total score ranges from 0 to 80 (higher scores indicate better lower extremity function).
- Applicable to various conditions, including orthopedic injuries, arthritis, and post-surgical rehabilitation.
- Quick and easy to administer in clinical and research settings.
LEFS is particularly useful because it is responsive to change over time, making it an effective tool for tracking rehabilitation progress and evaluating treatment outcomes.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain a Copy: The LEFS is available in research articles, rehabilitation guides, and clinical assessment resources.
- Explain the Purpose: The questionnaire measures the impact of lower extremity conditions on functional activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, and recreational activities.
- Provide Instructions: Patients rate 20 functional activities on a 0–4 scale, with higher scores reflecting better function. The total score is calculated by summing responses (max score = 80).
- Approximate Time: 5–10 minutes to complete.
- Administer the Scale: The LEFS can be self-administered or conducted via an interview in clinical settings. Scores help determine the severity of functional limitations and guide treatment decisions.
Reliability and Validity
The LEFS has excellent psychometric properties, making it a reliable and valid tool for assessing lower extremity function.
- Internal Consistency: High reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.96).
- Test-Retest Reliability: ICC = 0.94, indicating excellent stability over time.
- Construct Validity: Strong correlations with other functional measures (e.g., SF-36 Physical Function Scale, WOMAC).
- Responsiveness: The LEFS is sensitive to clinical improvements, making it useful for monitoring rehabilitation progress.
Available Versions
20-Items
Reference
Binkley, J. M., Stratford, P. W., Lott, S. A., Riddle, D. L., & North American Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Research Network. (1999). The Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS): scale development, measurement properties, and clinical application. Physical therapy, 79(4), 371-383.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the LEFS measure?
The LEFS assesses functional impairment and physical activity limitations in individuals with lower extremity conditions.
Who can use the LEFS?
It is widely used by physical therapists, rehabilitation specialists, and researchers to track recovery progress in individuals with hip, knee, ankle, or foot impairments.
How is the LEFS scored?
Each item is rated on a 0–4 scale (0 = extreme difficulty, 4 = no difficulty). The total score ranges from 0 to 80, with higher scores indicating better functional ability.
Is the LEFS a reliable tool for assessing function?
Yes, studies show that LEFS has high reliability, validity, and sensitivity in detecting functional changes over time.
How does the LEFS compare to other functional scales?
The LEFS is more responsive to functional changes than other scales, such as the WOMAC or SF-36, making it ideal for tracking rehabilitation progress.
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