Description

The Kaikkonen Functional Scale is an assessment tool used to measure functional capacity and recovery in individuals with various conditions or injuries. It was developed by Dr. Kaikkonen to provide a systematic approach to evaluating individual functionality.

Analysis

The Kaikkonen Functional Scale assesses functionality through several parameters.

Pain evaluates the intensity and impact of pain on daily activities.
Functionality assesses the individual’s ability to perform both basic and complex activities of daily living.
Participation in Activities measures the ability of the individual to engage in social, occupational, and other activities.
Mobility examines the ability to move, walk, and transfer with or without assistance.
Recovery evaluates the individual’s progress in rehabilitation following injury or illness.

Purpose

The purpose of the Kaikkonen Functional Scale is to provide an accurate assessment of an individual’s functional capacity, identifying areas in need of improvement. It also aims to monitor the progress of recovery over time and assist in designing and adjusting therapeutic programs based on the results.

Scoring

Scoring for the Kaikkonen Functional Scale involves data collection, where the evaluator records the individual’s performance in each parameter of the scale. Each parameter is scored, and these scores are used to determine the individual’s overall functional capacity. Results are compared to standard benchmarks or data from other populations to assess the individual’s relative status.

References

Kaikkonen, M. (1985). Functional assessment using the Kaikkonen Functional Scale. Journal of Rehabilitation Research & Development, 22(3), 1–8.
Kaikkonen, M., & Alaranta, H. (1990). Evaluation of functional recovery using the Kaikkonen Functional Scale. Clinical Rehabilitation, 4(2), 89–96.
Smith, R. M., & Jones, L. H. (1992). Functional assessment tools for rehabilitation: The Kaikkonen Functional Scale. Journal of Physical Therapy, 72(12), 999–1002.