Impairment, disability, and the ICIDH (International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities, and Handicaps) model. II: The nature of the underlying condition and patterns of impairment.

This paper presents a further exploration of the conceptual scheme proposed in the International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities, and Handicaps which links underlying condition, impairment and disability. It examines the proposal that three general patterns of impairment profile might be expected depending on whether the underlying condition affects control (as in stroke or multiple sclerosis), mechanical performance (as in arthritis) or energy (as in cardiorespiratory conditions). Examination of patterns of functional limitation shows more resemblance between conditions in each of these groups than between the groups lending support to the proposal.