The Dougados Functional Index with the 5-point Likert scale is sensitive to change due to intensive physiotherapy and exercise in spondyloarthropathy.

OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the Dougados Functional Index (DFI) with 5-point Likert scale is sensitive enough to demonstrate the efficacy of intensive physiotherapy and exercise. METHODS Eight-one consecutive patients with spondyloarthropathy (SpA) completed self-administered questionnaires on functional analysis, the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) and the DFI with 5-point Likert scale, at the beginning and end of a 3-week in-patient course based on intensive physiotherapy and exercise. The objective effect of the course was measured with 10 ranges of movement. After a 6-month follow-up the patients completed the questionnaires by mail for analysis of the lasting impact of rehabilitation on function. RESULTS The in-patient course was highly effective: all ranges of movement and both functional indices including the DFI with 5-point Likert scale improved to a highly significant degree. Six months later functional ability as measured by the DFI remained significantly better than at baseline before the in-patient course, but the BASFI had returned to the baseline level. CONCLUSION The DFI with 5-point Likert scale is sensitive enough to demonstrate the effect of intensive physiotherapy and exercise.