The pain limitation list (PLL): a study of concurrent validity and relationship between PLL and age and gender

Abstract: Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the concurrent validity between Pain Limitation List (PLL) and Functional Disability Inventory (FDI), the association between PLL and age and FDI and age, the difference between gender in PLL and FDI and possible floor or roof effects in the two tests. Method: The study was a cross-sectional study and had a descriptive correlational and comparative design. 86 children with chronic pain participated in the study. Result: The study showed that PLL had a concurrent validity with FDI (r=-0,740), p<0,001). There was a weak correlation between FDI and age (r=0,249, p<0,021) but PLL did not have a correlation with age and there was no difference between gender in PLL or in FDI. Also, there was no floor or roof effect for the two tests but it seems that PLL is slightly more sensitive for children and adolescents with less pain-related disability. Conclusion: according to this study, PLL has a concurrent validity. But to be able to use PLL as a reliable instrument, more studies who explore reliability and other types of validity is needed.