Background and purpose: It is unknown how Patient-Reported Outcomes Measures Information System Physical Function (PROMIS-PF) corresponds to physical abilities and common performance-based measures of function in patients with neurologic conditions/disorders in outpatient, ambulatory settings. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between PROMIS-PF and common performance-based measures of function in patients with neurologic conditions receiving outpatient physical therapy (PT).
Methods: A retrospective analysis of clinical data was conducted from 11 outpatient neurologic PT clinics within a large health care system between 12/2/2019 and 12/30/2022. Adult patients with neurologic conditions who had at least one performance-based functional measure [Timed up and go (TUG), 5 times sit to stand (5 × STS), and 10-m walk test (10 MWT)] and one PROMIS-PF score within 7 days were included. Pearson correlations and linear regression models were used to examine the relationships between the PROMIS-PF and performance-based measures.
Results: In our study of 1712 patients (average age 59 (SD 16) years, 44% male, 81% white race), there was a moderate relationship between PROMIS-PF and TUG and PROMIS-PF and 5 × STS (r = -0.31 and -0.38, respectively; p < 0.001). There was a strong association between PROMIS-PF and 10 MWT (r = 0.60; p < 0.001). In linear regression models, the variation in PROMIS-PF explained by the performance measures was the highest for 10 MWT (34.8%), followed by 5 × STS, and TUG (13.5% and 9%, respectively).
Discussion: Results demonstrated moderate associations between PROMIS-PF and performance-based measures. Both types of measures provide complementary clinical information for outpatients with neurological conditions.
Keywords: 10‐m Walk Test; 5 time sit‐to‐stand; PROMIS; timed up and go.
© 2026 The Author(s). Physiotherapy Research International published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.