Spinal pain independence measure - A new scale for assessment of primary ADL dysfunction related to LBP

Purpose/Method: SPIM-Spinal Pain Independence Measure, a new disability scale designed for patients with chronic low back pain disability, has been developed and studied at the Spinal Department of Loewenstein Rehabilitation Hospital. The SPIM differs from other existing scales for evaluation of chronic back disability, in that it is designated particularly for patients with deficits in primary ADL and evaluates function by observation. Results/Conclusion: This study shows the SPIM to be reliable; it supports the validity of the scale and points out a possible advantage of the SPIm over existing scales in sensitivity to functional change of patients with prominent disability. Further elaboration and examination of the SPIM is still needed.