Affiliations: School of Occupational Therapy, College of Health
Sciences, University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Lucinda M. Dale, School of
Occupational Therapy, College of Health Sciences, University of Indianapolis,
5694 W. CR. 350 N, North Salem, Indianapolis, IN 46165, USA. Tel.: +91 317 403
8177; Fax: +91 317 788 3542; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to measure clinical change
in persons with upper extremity (UE) musculoskeletal conditions and to
determine if the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH)
or the Upper Limb Functional Index (ULFI) was a more responsive outcome tool.
The objective was to select one tool that was responsive and practical for the
occupational therapy (OT) setting. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were patients (N=27) who had
musculoskeletal conditions, were age 18 years or older, and received outpatient
OT. METHODS: Participants received standard OT treatment for UE
musculoskeletal conditions, completing the ULFI and QuickDASH at evaluation and
discharge. RESULTS: Paired t-tests showed significant change of 25.1 points in
the QuickDASH and 23.6 points in the ULFI. Work module showed significant
change of 26.2 points. CONCLUSIONS: The QuickDASH was a more responsive tool compared to
the ULFI. Participants made significant improvements in work performance as
measured by the QuickDASH Work Module. Large effect sizes and standardized
response means of the QuickDASH and the ULFI change scores showed both tools
were responsive outcome measures for individuals with musculoskeletal
conditions. Although the QuickDASH was more responsive, therapists preferred
the ULFI as an efficient outcome measure with client-centered goals.
