Clinical Outcome Variables
What It Measures
The Clinical Outcome Variables Scale (COVS) measures functional mobility across the whole range of moving oneself around, from rolling over in bed to walking outdoors. It was built to cover the outcomes a typical physiotherapy caseload works on, which is why it spans so much ground in one tool.
Thirteen items cover rolling, lying to sitting, sitting balance, transfers, ambulation, wheelchair mobility, and arm function. Each has its own 7-point rating scale running from fully dependent to normal independent mobility, and items sum to a total from 13 to 91, where higher means better. Two subscales are also reported: general mobility and ambulation. Because it includes wheelchair items alongside walking items, it does not bottom out for people who do not walk.
Further Reading
Additional Notes
Licensing Notes: COVS costs $85 for the package and $30 for the guidelines booklet. Reproduction requires publisher permission.
Learn More: A telephone version, the TCOVS, is self-reported and administered by phone rather than through observation, with published equivalence to the in-person version — useful for follow-up when a home visit isn't practical.
