An examination of outcome measures to assess functional mobility in childhood survivors of osteosarcoma.

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study is to examine outcome measures that assess functional mobility in adolescent survivors of osteosarcoma. We will also identify relationships between functional mobility measurements and specific measure(s) of health-related quality of life (HRQL).

METHODS

Eighteen adolescent survivors of osteosarcoma at least 2 years from surgery at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) participated in this study. Functional mobility, endurance, perceived exertion, and locomotor efficiency is examined with the following measurement tools: timed up and go (TUG), timed up and down stairs (TUDS), 9-min run-walk, rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and physiological cost index (PCI). The currently used evaluation of function from the American Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) is also administered. The Short Form 36 (SF-36) measuring HRQL is used.

RESULTS

MSTS scores did not correlate with quantitative functional outcome measures. MSTS scores did not correlate with the HRQL as measured by the SF-36. In contrast, subjects with a higher rate of vitality on the SF-36 walked with more efficiency, farther distance during the 9-min run-walk, and performed the TUDS and TUG with a faster speed.

CONCLUSIONS

The MSTS does not correlate with actual measures of function or with HRQL. These data demonstrate the need for a new measure to determine functional mobility in survivors of osteosarcoma.