A physical therapist is selecting an SCI-specific outcome measure that evaluates independence in self-care, respiration/sphincter management, and mobility, with scores commonly ranging from 0 to 100. Which outcome measure is being described?

A physical therapist is selecting an SCI-specific outcome measure that evaluates independence in self-care, respiration/sphincter management, and mobility, with scores commonly ranging from 0 to 100. Which outcome measure is being described?

• A. CHART
• B. WISCI II
• C. Berg Balance Scale (BBS)
• D. Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM)

Answer: (D)

The concept being tested is identifying an SCI-specific tool that measures overall independence across key daily-living domains and sums to a broad total score. The Spinal Cord Independence Measure is designed exactly for this: it assesses independence in self-care, respiration and sphincter management, and mobility, and its total score commonly ranges from 0 to 100, with higher scores reflecting greater independence. This focus on SCI-specific functional independence across those three areas is what sets it apart from other measures. The alternatives don’t fit as well: CHART is a broader disability assessment not tailored to SCI’s specific independence domains; WISCI II emphasizes walking ability and devices rather than full independence in self-care and respiration/sphincter management; the Berg Balance Scale evaluates balance in standing tasks and isn’t an SCI-specific independence measure.

The concept being tested is identifying an SCI-specific tool that measures overall independence across key daily-living domains and sums to a broad total score. The Spinal Cord Independence Measure is designed exactly for this: it assesses independence in self-care, respiration and sphincter management, and mobility, and its total score commonly ranges from 0 to 100, with higher scores reflecting greater independence. This focus on SCI-specific functional independence across those three areas is what sets it apart from other measures. The alternatives don’t fit as well: CHART is a broader disability assessment not tailored to SCI’s specific independence domains; WISCI II emphasizes walking ability and devices rather than full independence in self-care and respiration/sphincter management; the Berg Balance Scale evaluates balance in standing tasks and isn’t an SCI-specific independence measure.