THE RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY OF A MEASURE OF PERCEIVED FUNCTIONAL-CAPACITY FOR WORK IN CHRONIC BACK PAIN

Psychosocial factors, including perceived disability and self-efficacy , are important determinants of outcome for individuals with chronic b ack pain. Consequently there is a need for an evaluation and considera tion of such factors in occupational rehabilitation. This study evalua ted the reliability and validity of a tool, the Spinal Function Sort, as a measure of perceived capacity for work-related tasks with 42 reha bilitation clients with chronic back pain. Results provided support fo r the internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha of 0.97), test-retest rel iability (ICC of 0.89) and construct validity of the Spinal Function S ort as a measure of perceived capacity for work-related tasks in perso ns with chronic back pain. Measures of similar constructs were signifi cantly correlated with the Spinal Function Sort and were highly predic tive of the Spinal Function Sort on multiple regression. Relationships between perceived work capacity and pain intensity and gender are dis cussed. The need for the consideration of perceived capacity in the ev aluation and rehabilitation of persons with chronic back pain is highl ighted.