Paulette M Niewczyk1, Carl V Granger. 1. Department of Rehabilitative Medicine, Center for Functional Assessment Research, and Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA. pniewczyk@udsmr.org
Abstract
PURPOSE: To determine the psychometric properties of a new functional assessment tool, the WeeFIM 0-3 instrument, intended to measure function in young children with physical, cognitive, or developmental impairments from birth to 3 years of age. Specific aims were to determine whether differences exist in WeeFIM 0-3 ratings in children with impairments as compared with those without, controlling for age and gender, and to determine the internal consistency, validity, and hierarchical properties of the instrument. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 173 children with impairments and 354 without impairments. RESULTS: Controlling for age, children without impairments had significantly higher mean WeeFIM 0-3 ratings than children with impairments. There were no differences in mean ratings by gender. The instrument displayed high internal consistency, construct, and predictive validity; maintained a hierarchy of item difficulty; and discriminant properties. CONCLUSION: Further reliability studies are needed to determine the instrument sensitivity and ability to detect change over time.
PURPOSE: To determine the psychometric properties of a new functional assessment tool, the WeeFIM 0-3 instrument, intended to measure function in young children with physical, cognitive, or developmental impairments from birth to 3 years of age. Specific aims were to determine whether differences exist in WeeFIM 0-3 ratings in children with impairments as compared with those without, controlling for age and gender, and to determine the internal consistency, validity, and hierarchical properties of the instrument. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 173 children with impairments and 354 without impairments. RESULTS: Controlling for age, children without impairments had significantly higher mean WeeFIM 0-3 ratings than children with impairments. There were no differences in mean ratings by gender. The instrument displayed high internal consistency, construct, and predictive validity; maintained a hierarchy of item difficulty; and discriminant properties. CONCLUSION: Further reliability studies are needed to determine the instrument sensitivity and ability to detect change over time.
Authors: Mark R Zonfrillo; Dennis R Durbin; Flaura K Winston; Huaqing Zhao; Margaret G Stineman Journal: Pediatrics Date: 2012-12-17 Impact factor: 7.124