Orthopaedics & Trauma Physiotherapy Strong — Binkley 1999; widely validated in orthopaedics

LEFS — Lower Extremity Functional Scale

20-item patient-reported outcome measuring functional difficulty in lower extremity conditions. Used pre- and post-operatively and in rehabilitation to track recovery.

Usual work / housework / school activities*

Usual hobbies / recreational / sporting activities*

Getting into or out of the bath*

Walking between rooms*

Putting on shoes / socks*

Squatting*

Lifting an object from the floor*

Performing light activities around home*

Performing heavy activities around home*

Getting into or out of a car*

Walking 2 blocks*

Walking a mile*

Going up or down stairs*

Standing for 1 hour*

Sitting for 1 hour*

Running on even ground*

Running on uneven ground*

Making sharp turns while running fast*

Hopping*

Rolling over in bed*

Score interpretation

Severe Functional Limitation 0–19

LEFS 0–19/80: Severe lower extremity functional limitation.

→ Intensive physiotherapy programme. Occupational therapy assessment. Mobility aids (frame, crutches). Surgical review if not post-operative. Social services input for home adaptations. Minimum detectable change (MDC) = 9 points.

Moderate Functional Limitation 20–39

LEFS 20–39/80: Moderate functional limitation.

→ Active physiotherapy rehabilitation. Pool therapy if appropriate. Progressive loading programme. Reassess at 4–6 weeks. Target improvement of ≥ 9 points (MDC). Consider surgical options if conservative management failing.

Mild–Moderate Limitation 40–60

LEFS 40–60/80: Mild to moderate functional limitation.

→ Home exercise programme. Physiotherapy review. Return-to-work / sport planning. Monitor progress at 6–8 weeks.

Mild or No Limitation 61–80

LEFS 61–80/80: Minimal functional limitation. Near-normal or normal function.

→ Discharge from regular follow-up or step down to PRN review. Sport-specific rehabilitation if returning to competitive activity. Normal score for general population ~72/80.

Interpretation bands for the LEFS. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.

References

Binkley JM et al. The Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS): scale development, measurement properties, and clinical application. Phys Ther. 1999.

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.

Score interpretation

References

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