Examining the Psychometric Properties of the 10-Item Active Movement Scale (AMS) for Assessing Musculoskeletal Function in Adults

Abstract

Objective: A movement screen is an efficient tool to evaluate movement patterns, detect potential dysfunctions and justify interventions aimed at improving musculoskeletal health. This study aimed to examine the reliability and validity of the 10-item Active Movement Scale (AMS) for assessing musculoskeletal function in adults. Methods: This is a cross-sectional measurement study. Fifty-five subjects receiving outpatient orthopedic physical therapy attended two sessions. Concurrently, participants underwent self-reported questionnaires and performance-based tests. Inter-rater reliability, test-retest reliability, concurrent validity and floor/ceiling effect of the AMS were assessed using weighted Kappa, percentage of agreement, Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and Pearson correlation. Results: Inter-rater reliability was excellent (ICC range: 0.90 to 0.93). Test-retest reliability was good (ICC range: 0.82 to 0.87). Inter-rater agreement (weighted kappa) ranged from 0.57 to 0.92. Test-retest agreement (kappa) ranged from 0.53 to 0.77. There were no floor effects, but mild ceiling effects were observed. AMST correlated highly with Lifestyle Physical Function Screen (LPFS) (r = 0.73) and moderately with PROMIS Physical Function-10a (PFF) (r = 0.61) surveys. AMS (upper body subscale) had a low correlation with Grooved Pegboard Placing (GPP) (r = 0.49), WorkAbility Rate of Manipulation Placing (WRMP) (r = 0.51). AMS (lower body subscale) correlated moderately with 10-Meter Walk at Fast pace (GSF) (r = 0.52) and Two Square Agility Test (TSAT) (r = 0.43). Conclusion: This study provides evidence of the reliability and validity of AMS in adults with musculoskeletal disorders and identifies potential gaps for future improvement and development.