OBJECTIVE: To empirically validate the ICF Core Set for low back pain, describing functioning, in a sample of chronic unspecific mechanical low back pain patients. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients from a rehabilitation center were assessed with the ICF Core Set for low back pain, Roland Morris Questionnaire (RMQ) and SF-36. RESULTS: All Body structures categories of this ICF Core Set were impaired in at least 80% of the patients, thus they were considered validated. Among the 19 Body functions categories, only four were impaired in less than 80%, thus not-validated, the same was observed in five out of the 29 Activities and participation categories and five of the 25 Environmental factors categories. CONCLUSIONS: The selected categories of the ICF Core Set for low back pain were empirically validated, and together, they allowed the description of functioning of those patients. This ICF Core Set can be used to guide interdisciplinary therapeutic interventions.
International Classification of Functioning; Disability and Health; Quality of life; Low Back Pain; Questionnaires, Environment
