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Medical Outcomes Study Physical Functioning Measure
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About Medical Outcomes Study Physical Functioning Measure
Scale Name
Medical Outcomes Study Physical Functioning Measure
Author Details
Anita L. Stewart
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) Physical Functioning Measure, developed by Anita L. Stewart in 1992, is a 14-item self-administered or interviewer-administered scale designed to assess physical functioning in adults, particularly for health surveys and outpatient care outcome assessment. Published in Medical Care (1992) as part of the MOS, it extends the 6-item physical functioning scale from the MOS Short-Form-20 (SF-20) to improve sensitivity to variations at higher levels of functioning. The scale focuses on physical disabilities rather than social roles, covering basic activities of daily living (ADLs, e.g., dressing, bathing) and more strenuous activities (e.g., running, lifting). It includes 10 physical functioning items, one satisfaction item, and three mobility items, emphasizing actual performance while accounting for personal values (e.g., choosing not to perform activities like running).
The physical functioning score (10 items) is averaged and transformed to a 0–100 scale (higher scores = better function), with a missing score if more than five items are omitted. The satisfaction score (1 item) and mobility score (sum of two items) are also transformed to 0–100 scales. The measure was validated with 2,000–3,000 adults (mean age ≈ 35–65 years, mixed gender, U.S.-based, general and outpatient populations), showing higher sensitivity than traditional ADL scales. It correlates with the SF-36 Physical Functioning subscale (r ≈ 0.80–0.90) and mobility measures (r ≈ 0.58). The MOS Physical Functioning Measure is used in public health, clinical psychology, and rehabilitation to assess physical function and evaluate treatment outcomes. Access requires permission from Medical Care or RAND Health (rand.org/health-care/surveys_tools/mos).
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain the MOS Physical Functioning Measure from Stewart et al. (1992) or RAND Health (rand.org), ensuring ethical permissions.
- Explain to participants (adults 18+ in community or outpatient settings) that the scale assesses physical functioning and satisfaction, emphasizing confidentiality and voluntary participation.
- Administer the 14-item scale via self-report or interview in clinical or community settings, covering performance over recent weeks, using response options (e.g., “Yes, limited a lot” to “No, not limited”).
- Estimated completion time is 5–10 minutes.
- Ensure a private, supportive environment; provide health or rehabilitation resources (e.g., support services) and adapt for accessibility (e.g., large print, oral administration) if needed.
Reliability and Validity
The MOS Physical Functioning Measure demonstrates robust psychometric properties (Stewart & Kamberg, 1992; McHorney et al., 1994). Internal consistency is high for the physical functioning score (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.92, N ≈ 2,000) and moderate for the mobility score (alpha = 0.71). Test-retest reliability (N = 52, elderly subset) shows an intraclass correlation of 0.93. Item-total correlations for eight of ten physical functioning items exceed 0.70, with lower correlations for vigorous activity (r = 0.62) and bathing/dressing (r = 0.48).
Convergent validity is supported by correlations with mobility scores (r = 0.58) and satisfaction scores (r = 0.63). Factor analysis (N not specified) identifies a single factor explaining 70% of variance, confirming unidimensionality. Criterion validity is evidenced by sensitivity to variations in healthier populations and correlations with SF-36 subscales (r ≈ 0.80–0.90). Discriminant validity is shown by lower correlations with psychosocial measures (r < 0.50). Pairing with the SF-36 or Barthel Index enhances comprehensive assessment.
Available Versions
14-Items
Reference
Stewart, A. L., & Kamberg, C. J. (1992). 6. Physical Functioning Measures. Measuring functioning and well-being: The medical outcomes study approach, 86.
CJ, S. A. K. (1992). Physical functioning measures. Measuring functioning and well-being: the medical outcomes study approach. Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 86, 101.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the MOS Physical Functioning Measure measure?
It measures physical functioning, mobility, and satisfaction with physical activity in adults.
Who is the target population?
Adults (18+) in community or outpatient settings, including relatively healthy populations.
How long does it take to administer?
Approximately 5–10 minutes.
Can it inform interventions?
Yes, it assesses physical function to guide outpatient care and evaluate treatment outcomes.
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