Validity of Total Score of Functional Independence Measure (FIM®) In Stroke Survivors – A Short Communication

Authors

  • Mikhail Saltychev
  • Janne Lähdesmäki
  • Petteri Jokinen
  • Katri Laimi

Keywords:

FIM, independence, functioning, factor analysis, consistency, validity

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the internal consistency and dimensionality of FIM®.

METHODS:

Register-based study of 493 stroke survivors who participated in the multidisciplinary in-patient rehabilitation. Cronbach’s alpha and exploratory factor analysis.

RESULTS:

The internal consistency demonstrated a very high Cronbach’s alpha of 0.97. The exploratory factor analysis resulted in a 2-factor structure. First 13 items of FIM® loaded especially on factor 1 and the rest 5 items on factor 2. The loadings of first 13 items on motor factor varied from 0.66 to 0.96. Respectively, the loading of the last five items on cognitive factor varied from 0.71 to 0.82.

CONCLUSIONS:

Amongst stroke survivors, the FIM® total score may not reflect the real situation with patients’ disability level or need for assistance. Instead, when handled separately, motor and cognitive subscores seemed to be valid.

Published

2018-10-16

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 2 (2018): PRM+

Section

Articles

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