PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT TOOLS

Spinal Function Sort (EPIC)

Authors: Leonard N. Matheson, PhD and Mary L. Matheson, MS

  Quantify spinal performance through a “rating of perceived capacity” score

Description:

Health care professionals have long recognized that the patient’s perception of dysfunction is an important starting point for an examination, evaluation, or treatment program. Until now, this information has been collected from the patient by means of an interview or with the use of a written questionnaire. This has been time-consuming and often is not very systematic. Additionally, this information has been difficult to quantify, which subsequently limits the professional’s ability to measure and demonstrate change.

The Spinal Function Sort was designed by Leonard N. Matheson, PhD and Mary L. Matheson, MS to briefly and accurately quantify the patient’s perception of dysfunction. It provides a Rating of Perceived Capacity (RPC) score that ranges from zero to 200, indicating the patient’s ability to perform tasks, which demand spinal performance. Used prior to an examination or evaluation, the SFS provides information about the patient’s perception of functional limitations that can be confirmed or challenged. Used at the inception of a treatment program to measure baseline performance, the SFS provides information about the patient’s functional limitations that can be focused on in subsequent treatment. Used over the course of the treatment program, the SFS can provide an important indicator of the patient’s perception of his/her progress.

The Spinal Function Sort Introductory Kit contains the following materials:

Five Spinal Function Sort test booklets;
One Examiner’s manual;
100 response sheets;
Audiotape instructions The SFS can be administered to an individual or to a group, with the written instructions in the Examiner’s Manual or through the use of the audiotape. Reading level is at the sixth grade but non-readers can complete the SFS by using the audiotape instructions. Test completion usually requires seven to nine minutes.

Scoring of the SFS can be completed in one minute by the professional or by a clerk. A simple validity check is imbedded in the test items to confirm the consistency of the evaluee’s responses.

Reliability studies demonstrate that the Spinal Function Sort has a high degree of consistency on a test-retest basis. Normative values are available and are provided in the SFS Examiner’s Manual. Additionally, the Rating of Perceived Capacity score can be cross-referenced to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Physical Demand Characteristics of Work system. A Chart, which depicts this system, is included in the Examiner’s Manual.