Shoulder Outcome Measurements: Upper Extremity Functional Index

The Upper Extremity Functional Index (UEFI) is a self-reported questionnaire designed to evaluate the functional limitations of individuals with upper limb impairments. It assesses a patient's ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), as well as any pain or discomfort experienced during these activities.

The UEFI consists of 25 items that are grouped into four subscales: pain, activities of daily living, work and recreation, and athletic activities. Each item is scored on a scale of 0 to 5, with 0 indicating "unable to perform the activity" and 5 indicating "able to perform the activity without difficulty."

The UEFI is commonly used by healthcare professionals such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, and orthopedic surgeons to assess the functional limitations of patients with upper limb impairments, such as those resulting from musculoskeletal injuries, nerve damage, or arthritis. It can be used to monitor changes in functional status over time, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment interventions.

The interpretation of the results of the Upper Extremity Functional Index (UEFI) requires adding the scores of each item to obtain a total score, which can range from 0 to 125. A higher score indicates better upper limb function. There are no established "normal" results for the UEFI, as the scores can vary depending on the individual's age, sex, occupation, and the severity of their upper limb impairment. Instead, the UEFI is used to compare the patient's current functional status to their previous status or to the status of other patients with similar conditions.

Clinically significant change in UEFI score has been defined as a change of 15 or more points in the total score, or a change of 2 points or more in any individual item score. A change of this magnitude indicates a significant improvement or decline in upper limb function.

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