Participation survey/mobility: psychometric properties of a measure of participation for people with mobility impairments and limitations

Abstract

Objective: To describe the development and psychometric properties of a self-report survey of participation by people with mobility limitations, the Participation Survey/Mobility (PARTS/M).

Design: The information obtained during interviews and focus groups was used to develop items for the PARTS/M. Demographics and measures of disability, health, and functioning were collected. The PARTS/M was administered twice.

Setting: Primarily in the midwestern United States.

Participants: Purposeful sample of 604 people with mobility limitations having a diagnosis of spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, stroke, or postpoliomyelitis.

Interventions: Not applicable.

Main outcome measure: PARTS/M is composed of 20 major life activities that are placed in 6 domains used in the activity/participation component of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health: self-care; mobility; domestic life; interpersonal interactions and relationships; major life areas; and community, social, and civic life. For each activity, questions were asked about components of participation including frequency, health-related limitations, importance, choice, satisfaction, use of assistive technology, and use of personal assistance.

Results: PARTS/M domains and components of participation had good internal consistency and stability. Composite participation scores were developed for participation components and domains.

Conclusions: PARTS/M is a reliable measure of some aspects of participation in major life activities for people with mobility impairments and limitations living in community settings.