Validation of the Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument in people with COPD

Astrid Blondeel*, Heleen Demeyer, Victoria Alcaraz-Serrano, Sara Buttery, Joren Buekers, Nikolaos Chynkiamis, Alícia Josa-Culleré, Laura Delgado Ortiz, Anja Frei, Lies Glorie, Elena Gimeno-Santos, Nicholas Hopkinson, Emily Hume, Carl-Philipp Jansen, Anne Kirsten, Sarah Koch, Dimitrios Megaritis, Paulien Mellaerts, Milo Puhan, Ioannis VogiatzisHenrik Watz, Marieke Wuyts, Judith Garcia Aymerich, Thierry Troosters

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

Abstract

Introduction: Disability and loss of function in daily life tasks are important challenges for people with COPD, but its assessment lacks valid instruments.

Aim: To investigate the validity of the Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument (LLFDI, originally developed for community-dwelling older adults) in COPD.

Method: This patient-reported instrument assesses the frequency, limitation and difficulty of performing important life tasks and has 3 domains (disability-frequency, disability-limitation and function). Scores range from 0 (worst) to 100 (best). The construct validity was assessed in a large European cohort study, by 1) convergent validity: Spearman correlation with COPD-relevant constructs (exercise capacity, dyspnea severity, health status) and 2) known-groups validity: differences in LLFDI levels according to meaningful groups (disease severity, age and use of walking aid).

Results: This study involved 605 participants (68±8 years old, 63% male, 54±20 FEV1 %pred.), reporting reduced participation and function in life tasks (median (Q1-Q3) disability-frequency 48 (44-50) points; disability-limitation 64 (58-71) points; function 58 (53-64) points). Most of the correlations were as hypothesized (89%, fig.1A). All 3 domains were able to differentiate for disease severity, age groups and use of walking aids (fig. 1B).

Conclusion: The LLFDI is valid to use in COPD to assess disability and loss of function from a patient perspective.
Original languageEnglish
Article numberPA618
JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal
Volume64
Issue numbersuppl 68
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Sept 2024
EventERS Congress 2024 - Vienna, Austria
Duration: 7 Sept 202411 Sept 2024
https://www.ersnet.org/the-ers-congress-2024-what-to-expect-from-online-registration/

Cite this