Translation, reliability, and validation of the Lower Extremity Motor Function Test (LEMFT) in stroke survivors

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

9:30 AM – 9:36 AM

Location: Station 4

Non-presenting Author(s)

Laura HC Gomes, N/A, PT

Doctor in Physical Therapy Student
Federal University of Sao Carlos
São Carlos, Sao Paulo, Brazil
DM

Darlene Marques

Bachelors in Physical Therapy Student
Federal University of Sao Carlos, Brazil
Sao Carlos, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Ld

Lisandra de Faria

Bachelors in Physical Therapy Student
Federal University of Sao Carlos, Brazil
Gitendra Uswatte, PhD

Professor of Psychology and Physical Therapy
The University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, United States
Edward Taub, PhD

Professor
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, United States

Presenting Author(s)

Sarah M. dos Anjos, PhD, OTD, MS, OTR/L

Assistant Professor
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, United States

Non-presenting Author(s)

Natália Duarte Pereira D. Pereira, PhD

Professor in physioterapy
Professor in physioterapy
Sao Carlos, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Research Objectives: To investigate the reliability, validity, and floor and ceiling effects of the Brazilian version of the Lower Extremity Motor Function Test (LEMFT)

Design: Cross-sectional study

Setting: Data collection was conducted over the phone.

Participants: Twenty stroke survivors at the chronic stage of recovery

Interventions: NA

Main Outcome Measures: The LEMFT was translated and cross-culturally adapted using the standard forward–backward translation method and the expert panel validation described in the literature. The LEMFT includes 16 functional tasks to assess motor function of the lower limbs. Each task is scored according to the performance time of the task, the quality of the movement during the performance, and the type of assistance required to perform the task. A score from 0 to 10 should be provided for each task in each of the two LEMFT scales, the Functional Ability Scale (FAS) and Equipment Scale (ES). The ES includes two subscales, the Orthosis and the Assistive Device Scales. The final score of the LEMFT is an average of the three scales. The Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) and the 10-meter Walk Test (10MWT) were used for conduct construct validity analysis.

Results: All activities were considered adequate to the Brazilian context, and all items were considered clear by the participants. The ICC values for interrater reliability were excellent and ranged between 0.77 and 0.97 for total score, performance time, FAS and ES. The mean difference between raters was 0.3 to total score. The Bland–Altman analysis showed that the limits of agreement between raters for the difference of LEMFT scores ranged from -2.3 to 2.8. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficients for LEMFT and subscales were high, ranging between 0.77 and 0.97. There was a significant excellent correlation between the LEMFT and TUG r = -0.88 (p < 0.001), and the LEMFT and 10MWT r = 0.92 (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: The Brazilian version LEMFT is a valid and reliable assessment of the function of the lower limbs and the level of assistance after stroke.

Author(s) Disclosures: No conflicts to report.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion, participant will be able to understand the translation and cultural adaptation of the LEMFT in to Brazilian Portuguese.
Upon completion, participant will be able to identify the scales and subscales included in the LEMFT instrument.
Upon completion, participant will be able to verify that the LEMFT is a valid and reliable tool to assess lower extremity use and function in individuals with stroke.