Back Performance Scale scores in people without back pain: Normative data

Abstract

The Back Performance Scale (BPS) is a condition-specific performance measure of activity limitation for patients with back pain. The aim of the study was to develop a normative baseline of BPS scores in back healthy subjects, using a cross-sectional design. A convenience sample of 150 adults (18–69 years) was divided into three age categories, with an equal number of men and women. The participants did not experience back pain on the day of testing. Most participants scored 0 or 1 on the 0–15 BPS scale, scores ranging from 0 to 8. A significant difference was found between those who had versus those who had not experienced back pain during the last year (p=0.02). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated an increased likelihood of scoring 1 or higher on the BPS with age above 50 years (odds ratio, OR = 7.6), body mass index values above 25 (OR = 3.3) and low self-reported physical fitness (OR = 11.5). Low scores on the BPS were associated with low scores of self-reported difficulties in daily life activities. Evidence was provided that people without back pain tend to have low sum scores on the BPS. The findings provide a normative reference database of BPS scores for adults with back pain.

• Assessment tool
• back pain
• dynamic trunk flexibility
• normative data
• physical performance tests