Objectives: To develop a performance-based physical functional measure for people using a manual wheelchair, and to evaluate the feasibility and reliability of the administration of the new procedure.

Background: Most performance-based measures of physical function focus on balance and ambulation impairments. Recent developments of performance measures fail to produce a valid and reliable performance-based measure to quantify physical function in people who must rely on upper-body function to mobilize.

Methods:Eighteen adults (ages 18 to 67 years) who used a nonmotorized wheelchair participated in this study. Volunteers performed selected tasks from the Continuous Scale Physical Functional Performance (CS–PFP) test, modified for persons using a wheelchair. Outcome measures included scores on the Wheelchair Physical Functional Performance (WC–PFP) test and the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP) questionnaire.

Results: Participants had substantial disability (mean total SIP > 20). Total and domain scores of the WC–PFP had no ceiling or floor effects and were reproducible with intraclass correlation coefficients ranging from 0.87 to 0.96. Poorer self-rated health was correlated with poorer performance in the upper-body domain of the WC–PFP (r = -0.45). Those reporting disability in bathing and dressing using the SIP had significantly lower WC–PFP scores, indicating that the WC–PFP had construct validity. A significant correlation was not found between WC–PFP and the ambulation and mobility domains of the SIP.

Conclusion: The WC–PFP provides a reliable and quantifiable measure of mobility in persons who use a manual wheelchair.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2002; 32(3):104–113.

Key Words: disability, functional limitation, mobility impairments, physical function, wheelchair