Objective: To assess content validity of the comprehensive International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Set for post-acute musculoskeletal conditions in primary care physiotherapy services.
Design: Multicentre cross-sectional study.
Subjects: Patients with musculoskeletal disorders referred to primary care physiotherapy services.
Methods: Structured interviews were conducted using categories from the ICF Core Set, and their relevance was assessed using a visual analogue scale. An ICF category had to represent a problem for at least 5% of the sample in order to be validated.
Results: The study sample comprised 274 patients. All categories in the ICF Core Set were confirmed. Body functions related to pain and movement were the most commonly impaired, with ICF categories "b280 Sensation of pain" and "b710 Mobility of joint functions" having the highest prevalence (87.2% and 84.7%, respectively). Activity limitations and participation restrictions were concentrated in chapters "d4 Mobility" (63.5% for "d430 Lifting and carrying objects") and "d2 General tasks and demands" (59.5% for "d240 Handling stress and other psychological demands"). The most relevant environmental factors were "e225 Climate" (55.8%) and "e580 Health services, systems and policies" (39.4%).
Conclusion: The ICF Core Set for post-acute musculoskeletal conditions shows appropriate content validity for primary care physiotherapy services.