A comparison between self-reported and observed activity limitations in adults with neuromuscular disorders

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the agreement between the self-reported and examiner-reported difficulties of patients with neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) in performing daily activities at home.

Design: A comparison between 2 methods of administering a measurement instrument.

Setting: Neuromuscular reference center in a university hospital.

Participants: Adult patients (N=57) with diagnosed NMDs living at home.

Interventions: Not applicable.

Main outcome measure: The ACTIVLIM questionnaire.

Results: The intraclass correlation coefficient, model 2,1 (ICC(2,1)), between the measures was very good (ICC(2,1)=.87), indicating a good agreement between self-perceived and observed measures.

Conclusions: The use of ACTIVLIM as a self-reporting questionnaire is a valid method for assessing activity limitations in patients with NMD.