Validity of IMPACT-S for Assessing Activities and Participation in patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Abstract
Objective of the study: The study aims to establish whether IMPACT-S is an apt measure for assessing activities and participation in Carpal Tunnel Syndromepatients.
Significance of the study: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one of the commonest entrapment neuropathies leading to marked activity and participation limitations. IMPACT-S is based on the ICF framework for assessing the functional involvement of the subject in terms of activities and participation. The current study focuses on establishing its validity of measuring activities and participation in patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome which will help clinicians and researchers use IMPACT-S for CTS patients.
Hypothesis:
Null Hypothesis: There is no validity of IMPACT-S for functional evaluation of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome patients.
Alternate Hypothesis: IMPACT-S is a valid tool for functional evaluation in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome patients.
Operational Definitions:
Validity: The psychometric property of a tool to measure what it is intended to (Singh et al, 2014).
ICF: WHO recommends the International Classification of Functioning (ICF) as a comprehensive measure for assessing and rehabilitating patients (2007).
IMPACT-S: ICF Measure of Participation and Activities – Screener (IMPACT-S) is a self- measure tool for assessing functioning and disability in pateients (Post et.al, 2008).
BCTQ: The Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire is a standardised a scale for assessment of CTS severity and functional ability (Fischer et.al 2014).
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Introduction
The upper extremity terminates at the hand which serves as a linkage between the body and the surroundings and any restrictions in its functioning results in ADL (Activities of Daily Living) limitations 21. Nerve damage occurring at stenotic anatomical structures is known as Entrapment neuropathy. Entrapments neuropathies are a common diagnosis in a clinical setting 13 and are often a cause for stress having physical, psychological and financial ramifications for the patients 6 . Carpal tunnel Syndrome frequently known as CTS is one of the most commonly encountered neuropathy of the upper-limb resulting in pain and disability of the hand. CTS usually results from compression of the carpal tunnel underneath the flexor retinaculum impinging the median nerve between the carpal bones and the flexor retinaculum, i.e. Carpal tunnel 6.
Conclusion
In summary, the present study showed that the use of the ICF Measure of Participation and Activities screener (IMPACT-S) and the Boston Carpal Tunnel Severity Questionnaire (BCTSQ) have moderate validity to assess the disability resulting from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. It can be safely assumed that IMPACT-S can used in clinical practice for evaluation of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome as part of the WHO ICF core set assessment technique.