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

LEFS Score (0–80, higher = better function) 0–80

Function as a percentage of maximum = score ÷ 80 × 100. Measurement error ±5.3 points (90% CI); minimal detectable change and minimal clinically important difference 9 points (Binkley 1999). The LEFS has no published severity bands.

→ Use to track change over time: a change of 9 points or more is clinically meaningful.

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

Related