Reliability and validity of the online application of London Chest Activity of Daily Living scale in assessing dyspnea-related functional impairment in individuals after hospitalization for COVID-19

Purpose: To investigate the test-retest reliability and construct validity of the LCADL scale applied via online form in individuals after hospitalization for COVID-19.Methods: Methodological study. After hospitalization for COVID-19 individuals completed the LCADL via online form at two separate times. They also answered the post-COVID-19 Functional Status Scale (PCFS), dyspnea, fatigue, and health perception scales, modified Medical Research Council (MRCm), Short Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36). Hospitalization data were collected from the individual's medical record.Results: 104 individuals participated in the study (57 men, 45.2 +/- 11.9 years). The LCADL showed moderately to high test-retest reliability (ICC: 0.73-0.86; p < 0.001), there was no difference in scores between test and retest (p > 0.05), the mean difference between the applications was smaller than the standard error of measurement and the internal consistency was adequate (Cronbach's alpha = 0.70-0.94). In addition, it demonstrated adequate construct validity, showing correlations with PCFS, dyspnea perception, fatigue and health scales, mMRC, SF-36, and length of stay in the Intensive Care Unit (p < 0.05). The LCADL as percentage of the total score presented a significant floor effect (25%).Conclusion: The LCADL applied online was reliable and valid for assessing limitations due to dyspnea in ADL in individuals after hospitalization for COVID-19.