Factor analysis of the functional limitations test in healthy individuals

The NeuroCom's Functional Limitations test evaluates motor performances on various dynamic movements but it is not known how the outcome variables among these movements might be related to each other. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted in healthy young individuals to identify the dimensions that contribute to the overall variance associated with the variables in the test items. Six factors comprising 18 out of 24 variables explained 76% of the overall variance. Variables from within a test item tended to be grouped in the same factor, suggesting that each item evaluates a particular set of motor skills that is required to execute the movement. The results suggest that all six items of the Functional Limitations test should to be used to estimate the overall functional motor control performance of an individual. The normative data gathered in this study using healthy individuals will allow us to compare individuals with movement limitations. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.