Patient-report as an option for describing muscle weakness: An integrative review

Article type: Review Article

Authors: Bohannon, Richard W.

Affiliations: Department of Physical Therapy, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Buies Creek, NC 27506, USA | Tel.: +1 910 814 4096; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Muscle strength, although usually measured by performance, can be measured by patient-report. OBJECTIVE: Review the utility and clinimetric properties of muscle strength assessed by patient-report. METHODS: PubMed and hand searches were used to identify relevant literature. Findings were systematically summarized. RESULTS: Most patient-report measures identified individuals with muscle weakness, however, the clinimetric properties of measures were highly limited. Particularly missing was information on reliability and responsiveness. CONCLUSIONS: There is a place for the inclusion of patient-reported muscle strength, but clinimetric support for its use is still limited.

Keywords: Muscle strength, patient-report, climimetrics

DOI: 10.3233/IES-182219

Journal: Isokinetics and Exercise Science, vol. 27, no. 2, pp. 79-82, 2019