A Comparison Between Self-Reported and Observed Activity Limitations in Adults With Neuromuscular Disorders

Vandervelde L, Dispa D, Van den Bergh PY, Thonnard J-L. A comparison between self-reported and observed activity limitations in adults with neuromuscular disorders.ObjectiveTo investigate the agreement between the self-reported and examiner-reported difficulties of patients with neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) in performing daily activities at home.DesignA comparison between 2 methods of administering a measurement instrument.SettingNeuromuscular reference center in a university hospital.ParticipantsAdult patients (N=57) with diagnosed NMDs living at home.InterventionsNot applicable.Main Outcome MeasureThe ACTIVLIM questionnaire.ResultsThe intraclass correlation coefficient, model 2,1 (ICC2,1), between the measures was very good (ICC2,1=.87), indicating a good agreement between self-perceived and observed measures.ConclusionsThe use of ACTIVLIM as a self-reporting questionnaire is a valid method for assessing activity limitations in patients with NMD.