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PULSES Profile
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About PULSES Profile
Scale Name
PULSES Profile Revised
Author Details
Eliot Moskowitz and Cornelius H. McCann; revised by Carl V. Granger
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The PULSES Profile, originally developed by Moskowitz and McCann in 1957 and revised by Granger et al. (1979), is a 6-item clinician-rated scale designed to assess functional independence in activities of daily living (ADLs) among chronically ill and elderly institutionalized adults, particularly those undergoing comprehensive medical rehabilitation. Published in Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (1979), the PULSES Profile evaluates six domains, represented by the acronym PULSES: Physical condition (general health, medical issues), Upper limb functions (self-care tasks), Lower limb functions (mobility), Sensory components (speech, vision, hearing), Excretory functions (bowel/bladder control), and Social/mental status (psychological and social adjustment). It predicts rehabilitation potential, evaluates progress, and assists in program planning.
Each domain is rated on a 4-point scale (1 = independent/normal to 4 = fully dependent/severe impairment), based on clinical observation and patient/caregiver interviews. Total scores range from 6–24, with lower scores indicating greater independence. The revised version (Granger et al., 1979) was validated with 203 rehabilitation patients (mean age ≈ 60 years, mixed gender, U.S.-based), showing that scores of 6–12 correlate with discharge to home, while scores ≥18 predict institutionalization. The scale correlates with the Barthel Index (r ≈ 0.70–0.85) and measures of disability severity (r ≈ 0.50–0.70). It is used in rehabilitation medicine, geriatrics, and clinical psychology to assess functional status and guide treatment planning. Access requires permission from Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation or related sources.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain the scale from Granger et al. (1979) or authorized sources (e.g., Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation), ensuring ethical permissions.
- Explain to participants (chronically ill or elderly adults) or caregivers that the scale assesses functional abilities, emphasizing confidentiality and voluntary participation.
- Administer the 6-item scale in a clinical or rehabilitation setting via observation and interview, rating each domain based on the patient’s current functioning.
- Estimated completion time is 10–15 minutes, depending on interview depth.
- Ensure a private, supportive environment; provide rehabilitation or mental health resources (e.g., support services) and adapt for accessibility (e.g., simplified explanations) if needed.
Reliability and Validity
The PULSES Profile demonstrates acceptable psychometric properties (Granger et al., 1979; Moskowitz, 1985). Internal consistency is moderate (Cronbach’s alpha ≈ 0.65–0.75), reflecting the scale’s brevity and diverse domains, based on 203 rehabilitation patients. Inter-rater reliability is high (r ≈ 0.80–0.90), supported by standardized anchors. Test-retest reliability is moderate to high (r ≈ 0.70–0.85 over 1–2 weeks).
Convergent validity is evidenced by correlations with the Barthel Index (r ≈ 0.70–0.85) and Functional Independence Measure (r ≈ 0.60–0.80). Factorial validity supports a unidimensional structure for overall functional status. Criterion validity is shown by its ability to predict rehabilitation outcomes (e.g., discharge destination) and sensitivity to treatment changes. Discriminant validity is indicated by weak correlations with unrelated constructs (e.g., cognitive ability, r < 0.20). Pairing with the Barthel Index or Functional Independence Measure enhances comprehensive functional assessment.
Available Versions
06-Items
Reference
Granger, C. V., Albrecht, G. L., & Hamilton, B. B. (1979). Outcome of comprehensive medical rehabilitation: measurement by PULSES profile and the Barthel Index. Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation, 60(4), 145-154.
Moskowitz, E. (1985). PULSES profile in retrospect. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 66(9), 647-648.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the PULSES Profile measure?
It measures functional independence in ADLs across six domains in chronically ill or elderly adults.
Who is the target population?
Chronically ill or elderly adults in rehabilitation or institutional settings.
How long does it take to administer?
Approximately 10–15 minutes.
Can it inform interventions?
Yes, it assesses functional status to guide rehabilitation planning and predict outcomes.
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