Back Performance Scale scores in people without back pain: Normative data

The Back Performance Scale (BPS) is a condition-specific performance measure of activity limitation for patients with back pain. The aim of the study was to develop a normative baseline of BPS scores in back healthy subjects, using a cross-sectional design. A convenience sample of 150 adults (18 - 69 years) was divided into three age categories, with an equal number of men and women. The participants did not experience back pain on the day of testing. Most participants scored 0 or 1 on the 0 - 15 BPS scale, scores ranging from 0 to 8. A significant difference was found between those who had versus those who had not experienced back pain during the last year (p = 0.02). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated an increased likelihood of scoring 1 or higher on the BPS with age above 50 years (odds ratio, OR = 7.6), body mass index values above 25 (OR = 3.3) and low self-reported physical fitness (OR = 11.5). Low scores on the BPS were associated with low scores of self-reported difficulties in daily life activities. Evidence was provided that people without back pain tend to have low sum scores on the BPS. The findings provide a normative reference database of BPS scores for adults with back pain.