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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2022 Sep 1.
Published in final edited form as: Spine J. 2021 May 13;21(9):1430–1439. doi: 10.1016/j.spinee.2021.05.001

Table 2.

Method of determination of ambulatory function in studies included in this systematic review

Method of Determination Description
Direct Observation Study investigators directly observed patients to characterize ambulatory function.
Medical Chart Review Investigators retrospectively reviewed patient encounter data and transcribe determinations as recorded by treating clinicians.
Frankel Grade Investigators use assessment of Frankel Grade as a substitute for ambulatory function. Grades D and E are considered ambulatory.
Nurick Score Investigators use this 5-point scale to characterize ambulatory function. Grade 5 considered non-ambulatory.
Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Performance Status Investigators use this 6-point scale (0–5) to characterize ambulatory and/or physical function. Grades 3–4 considered non-ambulatory.
Ryu and/or Rock Neurologic Scale Investigators use this 5-point scale to characterize ambulatory function. Grades D and E considered non-ambulatory.