Upper Extremity Functional Index
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Objective[edit | edit source]
The Upper extremity functional index (UEFI) is a self-report outcome measure used to assess functionality in the upper extremities in individuals with upper limb dysfunction of musculoskeletal origin.[1] The original UEFI consists of 20 questions on a 5- point rating scale assessing level of difficulty in performing activities of daily living using the upper extremities.
There are currently two versions of the upper extremity functional index; UEFI 20-item and UEFI 15-item.
Intended Population[edit | edit source]
The UEFI is intended for use in individuals with upper extremity including the shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand dysfunction of musculoskeletal origin.
Method of Use[edit | edit source]
The Upper extremity functional index is easy to administer. Patients respond to each item by circling a number that best describes their level of difficulty. Item scores range from 0 to 4, and the total score is a total of the item scores. Possible range 0 – 80 with 0 indicating lowest functional status and 80 indicating highest functional status. The minimum amount of change considered to be clinically significant is 9 points.[2]
Evidence[edit | edit source]
Reliability[edit | edit source]
The Upper Extremity Functional Index was found to have excellent test-retest reliability and internal consistency. The test-retest reliability coefficient was found to be 0.95 and the internal consistency of the assessment was found to be 0.94.[1]
Validity[edit | edit source]
In a study by Stratford et al[1], comparing Upper Extremity Functional Index (UEFI) and the Upper Extremity Functional Scale (UEFS), the discriminant cross-sectional validity of the UEFI was found to be 6.65 with p = .003 while the convergent cross-sectional validity coefficient between the UEFI and the UEFS was 0.82. In the same study, the longitudinal validity coefficient between the UEFI and the UEFS was 0.74. This study concluded that the longitudinal validity of the Upper Extremity Functional Index was superior to the Upper Extremity Functional Scale.
Responsiveness[edit | edit source]
