Face Validity of Gujarati Version of Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS)

Abstract

Background: Lower extremity functional scale (LEFS), originally developed by Binkley et. al in 1999,
is a valid Patient rated outcome measure (PROM) for various musculoskeletal conditions. The scale is
originally developed in English languageand has been translated and cross culturally adapted into many
languages. In India, the scale is still applied in the original language, i.e. English, and also in its original
form. Hence, the need of the study is to find the face validity of Gujarati translated LEFS in accordance
with functional activities of Gujarati population.
Methodology: Individuals referred to Physiotherapy clinic and having lower limb musculoskeletal
condition were screened for the eligibility. Those who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria
were included in the study. Face validity of Gujarati LEFS was calculated by asking the individuals to
grade items of Gujarati translated LEFS according to 5-point Likert scale, including very important,
important, relatively important, slightly important and unimportant, as how each item appear to them
for measuring lower extremity function.
Results: Item impact score for each item was calculated from frequency and mean item importance
score. Item impact score of:
· 15 out of 20 items was more than 1.5
· 5 out of 20 items scored less than 1.5
Results show statistically significant need to change the items of Gujarati translated LEFS.
Conclusion: 5 out of 20 items in Gujarati translated LEFS needs to be modified/eliminated for its
implication into Gujarati population.