Validity of Profile Fitness Mapping Low Back Questionnaire

The Profile Fitness Mapping Low Back Questionnaire was developed between 1992 and 1994 at the Alfta Rehab Center and consists of two back specific scales, designed for the assessment of self-estimated symptoms and functional limitations. The symptom scale contains two indices of separate aspects of symptomatology. All items are given six response alternatives (how often: range from 1 = never/very seldom, to 6 = very often/always; how much: range from 7 = nothing/none at all, to 12 = almost unbearable/ unbearable, all/maximally).The functional limitation scale (one index) and the symptom scale (two indices) are presented in a self-administered form. All items were given six response alternatives (ranging from

1 = very good, no problem, very satisfying, very likely, to 6 = very bad, very difficult/impossible, very dissatisfying, very unlikely). Higher index scores reflect better function/better health.

The Oswestry Disability Index assesses ten different aspects of disability (pain, personal care, lifting, sitting, standing, sleeping, sex life, social life, walking and travelling). Each parameter is scored from 0 to 5, with 0 indicating no functional limitation due to pain and 5 indicating a major functional disability due to low back pain. This questionnaire is scored using a global percentage score. The obtainable maximum score is 50, which corresponds to 100%. A score of 0%-20% means minimal disability, 21%-40% means moderate disability, 41%-60% means severe disability, 61%-80% means crippling back pain, and 81%-100% means bed-bound or exaggerated symptoms.

The SF-36 questionnaire consists of 36 items, which are used to calculate eight subscales: physical functioning, role physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, role emotional and mental health. The first four scores can be summed to create the physical composite score, while the last four can be summed to create the mental composite score. Scores for the SF-36 scales range between 0 and 100, with higher scores indicating a better quality of life.

The pain Visual Analog Scale is a continuous scale comprised of a horizontal (HVAS) or vertical (VVAS) line, usually 10 centimeters (100 mm) in length. For pain intensity, the scale is most commonly anchored by "no pain" (score of 0) and "pain as bad as it could be" or "worst imaginable pain" (score of 100 [100-mm scale]).