Reliability and validity of the Swedish Fatigue Assessment Scale when self-administrered by persons with mild to moderate stroke

Objective: To examine internal consistency, test-retest reliability, floor/ceiling effects and construct validity of the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), when self-administrated by persons with mild to moderate stroke.

Method: The FAS was translated into Swedish and tested for psychometric properties when self-administrated by persons with mild to moderate stroke. Participants, consequently selected from the stroke unit admission register received a letter with three questionnaires: the FAS, Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) subscale for vitality and Geriatric Depression Scale, GDS-15. Within two weeks, a second letter with FAS was sent for re-test.

Result: Seventy-tree persons with mild to moderate stroke participated in the study. Internal consistency was good (Cronbach’s alpha 0.82). The test and retest reliability of individual items showed that five items out of 10 items were good (weighted kappa > 0.60), four were moderate (0.40-0.60), and one was fair (0.22). The relative reliability between total scores was good (ICC _3.1 = 0.73) and the absolute reliability was nine points, meaning that a change of at least nine points in total score implies a real change of fatigue level. Correlation analysis showed that the Swedish FAS correlated with the SF-36 subscale for vitality (r_s = - 0.73) and GDS-15 (r_s = 0.62), suggesting convergent construct validity. There were no floor or ceiling effects.

Conclusion: The Swedish translation of the FAS used as a self-administrated questionnaire is reliable and valid for measuring fatigue in persons with mild to moderate stroke.     

Validity and reliability of the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form Health Survey version 2 (SF-12v2) among adults with autism

BackgroundThe purpose of the study was to assess the validity and reliability of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-12 version 2 (SF-12v2) instrument among adults with autism.MethodsStudy data was collected using a cross-sectional online survey of adults with autism enrolled with the Interactive Autism Network (N = 291). Factorial validity was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis technique. Item–scale correlations were examined for convergent validity. Known-groups validity was assessed by examining the variation in Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores by autism severity. Cronbach's alpha was determined for internal consistency reliability. Floor and ceiling effects were also assessed.ResultsA two-factor model with correlated error terms was found to have a good fit. The PCS scale strongly correlated with the underlying items representing the scale. The MCS scale had strong to moderate correlation with its underlying items. For known-groups validity, the MCS score varied as expected with lower score observed among adults with high severity as compared to low severity; however, PCS score varied inversely. Internal consistent reliability of the SF-12v2 was good, and there were no floor and ceiling effects.ConclusionsExcept for known-groups validity, all other psychometric indicators performed well for the SF-12v2.     

Comparison of two sets of Piagetian scales with severely and profoundly retarded children.

Corman and Excalona's (1969) scales for Object Permanence and Spatial Relationships and the corresponding scales of Uzgiris and Hunt (1975) were administered to 64 severely and prfoundly retarded children. Most of the findings applied equally to both sets of scales: the scoring reliability was very high; the total scores did not vary as a function of subject characteristics (except IQ) or testing conditions; differences in the difficulty of the items did not correspond closely to those reported for nonretarded infants, and the scalability of the items was much lower. Less time was required to administer the two scales constructed by Uzgiris and Hunt, but their Object Permanence scale showed a pronounced ceiling effect and the internal consistency of their Spatial Relationships scale was unacceptably low.     

Quality-of-life but not behavior improves 48-months post-adenotonsillectomy in children with SDB

BackgroundLong term follow-up studies (>12 mths) of changes in behavior and quality-of-life (QoL) in children with sleep disordered breathing (SDB) post-adenotonsillectomy are limited and there is a lack of consensus in the reported findings. The aim of this study was to evaluate children's sleep, QoL and behavior at baseline and 6 mths and 48 mths post-adenotonsillectomy for clinically diagnosed SDB.MethodsThis prospective longitudinal study of children aged 3-12 y recruited from a Children's Hospital otolaryngology clinic compared polysomnographic parameters, behavior (Child Behavior Checklist; CBCL) and QoL (OSA-18) at baseline, 6mths and 48mths post-adenotonsillectomy and compared these parameters to healthy non-snoring controls recruited from the general community at the same time points.ResultsSixty-four children completed sleep, behavior and QoL assessments (SDB = 20M/9F, Controls = 18M/17F) at all three time points. Sleep and ventilatory parameters significantly improved in children with SDB with minimal residual obstruction evident at 48 mths post-adenotonsillectomy. Compared to baseline, OSA-18 scores significantly improved post-adenotonsillectomy in children with SDB and were equivalent to the scores of controls at 6 mths and 48 mths post-AT. No significant improvement was observed in behavior in children with SDB post-adenotonsillectomy over the same time period.ConclusionBaseline deficits in sleep and QoL in children with SDB were normalized at 6 mths post-adenotonsillectomy and gains were maintained at 48 mths post-adenotonsillectomy. Children with SDB did not show significant gains in behavior either at 6 mths or 48 mths post-adenotonsillectomy.     

The reliability and validity of the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire’07 for children aged 4–6 years in mainland China

An effective population-based screening tool is needed to identify possible cases of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) among preschool children in mainland China. We examined the psychometric properties of the DCD questionnaire’07 (DCDQ’07) in Chinese children aged 4–6. A total of 3316 children from 10 nursery schools were involved in the study. Internal consistency and test–retest reliability of the DCDQ’07 were estimated using Cronbach's alpha, item-total correlation and intraclass correlation co-efficient (ICC). The construct validity was evaluated using the exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to measure the accuracy of the DCDQ’07. The results showed that both internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha value of all items were above 0.85) and test–retest reliability (ICCs of 13 items and subscales were above 0.9) were excellent. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that each goodness-of-fit indices of the 3-factor model was above 0.9, indicating a satisfactory fit of the data to the model. Area under the ROC curve was comparatively small (0.641). With the exception of construct validity in younger children (4 years old) and discriminative validity, the Chinese version of the DCDQ’07 achieves satisfactory reliability and construct validity in mainland China. Nevertheless, the questionnaire should be not used in younger children, and further studies are needed to explore the use of Little DCD-Q in Chinese preschool children.     

Reliability and structural validity of the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI) in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease

IntroductionThe Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI) is commonly used in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). However, most measurement properties have not been investigated in this population. The aim of this study was to investigate internal consistency, test-retest reliability, measurement error, structural validity, and floor and ceiling effects of the MFI in PD.MethodsPatients with PD (N = 153) completed the MFI at baseline and week 3 in a randomized clinical trial. Cronbach's α, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and the smallest detectable change (SDC) were calculated. Bland and Altman analysis was performed. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to explore structural validity. Floor and ceiling effects were investigated.ResultsCronbach's α for the MFI-total and subscales ranged from 0.74 (reduced motivation (RM)) to 0.92 (MFI-total). ICC's ranged from 0.65 (mental fatigue (MF) to 0.81 (physical fatigue (PF)), SDC ranged from 4 points (PF and RM) to 15 points (MFI-total). Bland and Altman analysis showed no systematic differences between assessments. A floor effect was found for MF and ceiling effects for PF and reduced activity (RA). A four-factor model was extracted, combining general fatigue (GF) and PF as one factor.ConclusionsThe MFI is reliable and valid to assess fatigue in patients with PD. Clinicians and researchers interested in assessing specific aspects of fatigue should consider interpreting GF and PF as one subscale measuring physical aspects of fatigue. To establish whether the MFI can detect meaningful changes, studies on anchor-based responsiveness and the minimal important change are needed in PD.     

Parkinson's Disease Sleep Scale: validation study of a Spanish version.

The Parkinson's Disease Sleep Scale (PDSS) is the first published bedside clinical tool to specifically measure sleep disturbances in Parkinson's disease (PD). The objective of the present study was to carry out a metric analysis of a Spanish version (PDSS-SV) using a cross-sectional study of 100 PD patients who participated in the study. Usual measures for PD and mental status were applied by neurologists. Patients completed the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39 Items (PDQ-39), and PDSS-SV. PDSS internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha, 0.77; significant item-total correlation for 11 items) was satisfactory. PDSS showed high test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient for items, 0.79-0.99; for total score, 0.94). Standard error of measurement was 9.80 (crossover) and 5.01 (longitudinal). Scores were distributed uniformly, with low floor and ceiling effect (1%). PDSS scores were correlated significantly with depression (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, r(S) = -0.55; P < 0.0001) and quality of life (PDQ-39 Summary Index, r(S) = -0.26; P = 0.007), but not with clinical variables. Self-perception of mood disorder, pain, or hallucinations correlated individually with PDSS scores, and a factor explaining 65% of the variance was found. The assessment of PD sleep disorders with the PDSS met some basic standards required for health status measures.     

Dementia quality of life instrument--construct and concurrent validity in patients with mild to moderate dementia

Background and purpose: To translate the Dementia quality of life instrument (DQoL) into German and assess its construct and concurrent validity in community‐dwelling people with mild to moderate dementia. Methods: Dementia quality of life instrument data of two pooled samples (n = 287) were analysed regarding ceiling and floor effects, internal consistency, factor reliability and correlations with corresponding scales on quality of life (Quality of Life in Alzheimer‘s Disease and SF‐12), cognition (Mini‐Mental State Examination, Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale – cognitive), depression (Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia) and activities of daily living (Interview of Deterioration in Daily Living Activities in Dementia). Results: We found no floor effects (<2%), minor ceiling effects (1–11%), moderate to good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α: 0.6–0.8) and factor reliability (0.6–0.8), moderate correlations with self‐rated scales of quality of life (Spearman coefficient: 0.3–0.6) and no or minor correlations with scores for cognition, depression or activities of daily living (r < 0.3). The original five‐factor model could not be confirmed. Conclusion: The DQoL can be used in dementia research for assessing positive and negative affect, feelings of belonging and self‐esteem. The findings suggest further research to improve the structure of the scales aesthetics, feelings of belonging and self‐esteem.     

Partial validation of a French version of the ADHD-rating scale IV on a French population of children with ADHD and epilepsy. Factorial structure,reliability, and responsiveness

ObjectiveAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a well-known comorbidity in children with epilepsy. In English-speaking countries, the scores of the original ADHD-rating scale IV are currently used as main outcomes in various clinical trials in children with epilepsy. In French-speaking countries, several French versions are in use though none has been fully validated yet. We sought here for a partial validation of a French version of the ADHD-RS IV regarding construct validity, internal consistency (i.e., scale reliability), item reliability, and responsiveness in a group of French children with ADHD and epilepsy.MethodThe study involved 167 children aged 6–15 years in 10 French neuropediatric units. The factorial structure and item reliability were assessed with a confirmatory factorial analysis for ordered categorical variables. The dimensions' internal consistency was assessed with Guttman's lambda 6 coefficient. The responsiveness was assessed by the change in score under methylphenidate and in comparison with a control group.ResultsThe results confirmed the original two-dimensional factorial structure (inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity) and showed a satisfactory reliability of most items, a good dimension internal consistency, and a good responsiveness of the total score and the two subscores.ConclusionThe studied French version of the ADHD-RS IV is thus validated regarding construct validity, reliability, and responsiveness. It can now be used in French-speaking countries in clinical trials of treatments involving children with ADHD and epilepsy. The full validation requires further investigations.     

Reliability and validity of a new dexterity questionnaire (DextQ-24) in Parkinson's disease

BackgroundPatients with Parkinson's disease exhibit disturbed dexterity. Validated self-reported outcomes for dexterity in Parkinson's disease are lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the reliability, content and construct validity of a new Dexterity Questionnaire 24.MethodsOne hundred and three patients with Parkinson’s disease completed the Dexterity Questionnaire 24 (score range 24–96), at baseline and four weeks later. The internal consistency was determined. Test-retest reliability was assessed in a subgroup (N = 44). Standard error of measurements and the minimal detectable change were defined. The construct validity was examined in the whole group (N = 103). Floor and ceiling effects were investigated.ResultsThe internal consistency of the Dexterity Questionnaire 24 was high (α = 0.91). High test-retest reliability was found (Intra Class Correlation Coefficient = 0.91, Confidence interval: 0.84–0.95). Standard error of measurement was 2.9 and minimal detectable change was 8 points. (i.e., 11%). Good structural, convergent and divergent validity of the Dexterity questionnaire 24 was found (r = 0.73 with Activities of Daily Living-subscale of the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39, and r = 0.66, and r = 0.50, p-values all < 0.0001, respectively with the subscales II and III of the Movement Disorders Society-Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale). Low not significant correlations were found between the Dexterity Questionnaire 24 and the subscales stigma and social support (r = 0.20, and r = 0.14 respectively). No floor or ceiling effects were found for the total Dexterity Questionnaire 24.ConclusionThe Dexterity Questionnaire 24 is valid and reliable for evaluating dexterity in patients with Parkinson's disease.     

Sensory ataxia rating scale: Development and validation of a functional scale for patients with sensory neuronopathies

Sensory neuronopathies (SN) result from dorsal root ganglia damage and manifest with a combination of sensory deficits and proprioceptive ataxia. Characterization of the natural history and development of therapeutic trials are hampered by the lack of clinical scales that capture the whole spectrum of SN‐related manifestations. We propose and validate a rating instrument for SN. Three experienced neuromuscular specialists developed items to rate SN. The resultant instrument was later validated by the assessment of the intra‐class correlation coefficient, for inter‐rater validity in 48 SN patients, and later in a smaller subset of 16 patients to assess its intra‐rater validity. Standardized Crombach's alpha and Oblimin rotation analysis were performed to verify internal consistency and items' relationship, respectively. Evaluation of Sensory Ataxia Rating Scale (SEARS)'s external validity was performed by comparison to: scale for the assessment and rating of ataxia (SARA), Beck balance scale (BBS), and INCAT sensory sum score (ISS). A 10‐item scale with an intra‐class correlation coefficient >0.95 for intra‐ and inter‐rating measurements with a good internal consistency (standardized Cronbach's alpha of 0.83) were observed. There was a normal distribution of the scores without a floor or ceiling effect. A moderate to good correlation between SEARS and SARA, BBS, and ISS was observed. SEARS is a reliable, easy‐to‐perform and consistent instrument to rate SN. Larger cohorts and multicenter studies are needed to validate its usefulness towards possible treatment trials.     

Psychometric comparisons of three measures for assessing motor functions in preschoolers with intellectual disabilities

Background Deficit in motor performance is common in children with intellectual disabilities (ID). A motor function measure with sound psychometric properties is indispensable for clinical and research use. The purpose of this study was to compare the psychometric properties of three commonly used clinical measures for assessing motor function in preschoolers with ID: the Bruininks‐Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency‐Second Edition, the Movement Assessment Battery for Children‐Second Edition and the Peabody Developmental Motor Scale‐Second Edition (PDMS‐2). Method One hundred and ninety‐one children aged 3–6 years with ID were evaluated with the three measures at three time points: two baseline measurements with a 1‐week interval before the intervention, and a follow‐up measurement after 6 months of paediatric rehabilitation programme. One hundred and forty‐one participants completed all of the assessments. The distribution (ceiling and floor effects) and reliability (internal consistency and test–retest reliability) of each measure were examined. Concurrent validity, predictive validity, and responsiveness were examined as well. Results All measures, except for the PDMS‐2, had significant floor effects or ceiling effects at one or more time points. The three measures had good internal consistency (Cronbach α ≥ 0.86) and test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient ≥ 0.96). The Spearman ρ correlation coefficient for each pair of the three measures was ≥0.80, indicating high concurrent validity. The predictive validity of the three measures was satisfactory (Spearman ρ ≥ 0.52). The responsiveness of the three measures was moderate (0.47 ≤ effect size ≤ 0.74). The minimal detectable changes of the three measures were satisfactory. Conclusions All three measures showed sufficient reliability, validity and responsiveness in preschoolers with ID, but the PDMS‐2 is recommended for its superior psychometric properties.     

The reliability and validity of the Revised Liverpool Impact of Epilepsy Scale for use in people with new-onset epilepsy

The Impact of Epilepsy Scale was designed to assess the perceived impact of epilepsy on a number of different aspects of daily life. Following criticisms of the scale's content and focus, it was revised to incorporate an amended response continuum and additional items. A total of 1534 people with epilepsy completed the revised scale, along with other quality-of-life (QOL) measures, as part of the Standard and New Antiepileptic Drugs (SANAD) trial (Marson et al., 2007a,b) [[9], [10]]. The revised scale had good reliability (internal consistency alpha coefficient of .83) and acceptable validity (concurrent and known-groups). Floor and ceiling effects were negligible. Therefore, the Revised Liverpool Impact of Epilepsy Scale is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing the perceived impact of epilepsy in people with new-onset epilepsy.     

Development and validation of a clinical scale for rating the severity of Blepharospasm

Existing scales for rating the severity of blepharospasm (BSP) are limited by a number of potential drawbacks. We therefore developed and validated a novel scale for rating the severity of BSP. The development of the scale started with careful examination of the clinical spectrum of the condition by a panel of experts who selected phenomenological aspects thought to be relevant to disease severity. Thereafter, selected items were first checked for reliability, then reliable items were combined to generate the scale, and clinimetric properties of the scale were evaluated. Finally, the confidence with which the scale could be used by people without high levels of movement disorders skill was assessed. The new scale, based on objective criteria, yielded moderate to almost perfect reliability, acceptable internal consistency, satisfactory scaling assumptions, lack of floor and ceiling effects, partial correlations with a prior severity scale and with a quality of life scale, and good sensitivity to change. Despite a few limitations, the foregoing features make the novel scale more suitable than existing scales to assess the severity of BSP in natural history and pathophysiologic studies as well as in clinical trials. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society     

Repeatable battery for assessment of neuropsychological status in early Parkinson's disease

Adequate reliability and valid factor structure are prerequisites for appropriate use of a measure in a population. Although the Repeatable Battery for Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) has been used to examine cognition in Parkinson's disease (PD), its reliability and factor structure have not been examined in this population. This study examined the reliability and factor structure of the RBANS in participants with de novo PD recruited for two NIH Exploratory Trials in Parkinson's Disease (NET‐PD), using Cronbach's α and factor analysis. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was implemented on the factor structure proposed in the RBANS manual, and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted to identify a valid factor structure given the proposed one was not supported. The RBANS exhibited poor reliability in participants with NET‐PD. Cronbach's α ranged from 0.03 to 0.74 for the five domains and the full scale. CFA results indicated that the proposed factor structure in the RBANS manual was not supported in this sample. EFA identified a two‐factor structure for six of the 12 RBANS items. Six items were eliminated due to low correlation with other items or severe ceiling effects. This new factor structure was validated by another CFA. The two domains have fair reliability. Cronbach's α ranged from 0.65 to 0.74 for the two factors in the two datasets. These results suggest that the current RBANS domain and total scores may not provide valid measurement of the neuropsychological status for patients with early PD. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society     

The Personality Organization Diagnostic Form (PODF): A Preliminary Report on Its Validity and Interrater Reliability

This research provides empirical support to the Personality Organization Diagnostic Form (PODF; Diguer & Normandin, 1996), which is a measure that operationalizes Kernberg's (1996) model of personality organizations. The goals of this study were to examine the PODF's interrater reliability and validity. Results confirmed that reliability ranged from good to excellent. Factor analysis showed that items tended to regroup according to the model, which contributes to the validity of the PODF. Internal consistency, reliability, and correlations with psychiatric severity also indicate moderate to good construct validity. Several suggestions are made to improve the measure, such as adding neurotic items and having Likert-scale items.     

Development of a Mandarin Expressive and Receptive Vocabulary Test for children using cochlear implants

Cochlear implants (CIs) provide children with profound hearing loss access to sounds and speech. Research on the effects of CI on speech and language development in mainland China is scarce due to the lack of standardized tests. This study aims at developing a vocabulary measure, the Mandarin Expressive and Receptive Vocabulary Test (MERVT), for pre-school children with CIs. Using responses from 102 normal-hearing preschool children, the initial vocabulary set was subjected to analyses to identify items with appropriate levels of difficulty and discrimination. Norms on 245 normal-hearing children aged 1;6 to 3;11 were later collected based on the final set of the items. Evaluation of the test's psychometric properties revealed good internal consistency. Significant correlations between the total MERVT scores and the Gesell Developmental Scale scores, between the MERVT expressive and receptive subtest scores and the total scores, and the gradual increase in MERVT scores with age, provided evidence of construct validity. Results from 29 children with CIs were also examined for evidence of the MERVT's construct validity. There was a significant correlation between these children's MERVT scores and their scores from an intelligence test. The MERVT scores increased with an increase in the duration of CI use and in chronological age. With good reliability and strong validity, the test is recommended for use in the monitoring of language development in children with CI.     

Reliability and validity of age band 1 of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children--second edition

The purpose of this study was to examine specific aspects of the reliability and validity of age band 1 of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children - Second Edition (MABC-2) (Henderson, Sugden, & Barnett, 2007) in Greek preschool children. One hundred and eighty-three children participated in the study; the children ranged in age from 36 to 64 months old (M = 50 months, SD = 9 months). Test-retest reliability of the MABC-2 was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Cronbach's alpha for the items of each motor domain was estimated to determine internal consistency. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to examine the factorial validity of the MABC-2 test. Correlation coefficients among individual item scores and the total score were also calculated to further examine validity. The ICC for all test items was good, except for the drawing trail task, which was moderate. Cronbach's alpha coefficient values were .51, .70 and .66 for manual dexterity, aiming and catching, and balance, respectively. In the confirmatory factor analysis, goodness-of-fit indices suggested a satisfactory fit of the data to the model. The correlation coefficients between each test item and the total score were moderate. The results suggest that the MABC-2 can be a reliable and valid tool for the assessment of movement difficulties among 3-5-year-old children.     

Age band 1 of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-Second Edition: Exploring its usefulness in mainland China

The aim of this paper was to examine the validity and reliability of age band 1 of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-Second Edition (MABC-2) in preparation for its standardization in mainland China. Interrater and test–retest reliability of the MABC-2 was estimated using Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). Cronbach's alpha for each item and Item-total correlation were used to determine internal consistency. The content validity was determined by the Item-level content validity index (I-CVI). Confirmatory factor analysis was used to examine the factorial validity of the MABC-2 test. The correlation coefficients between the MABC-2 and the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales-2 (PDMS-2) were used to assess the criteria-related validity. The Cronbach's alpha values of all eight items together were moderate but acceptable. The correlation coefficients between each test item and the total score were moderate except for two items. The ICC of interrater and test–retest reliability for each test items was good. The I-CVI of each item was excellent (each above 0.78). The result of confirmatory factor analysis showed that the goodness-of-fit indices of the adjusted model were good (each above 0.9), indicating a satisfactory fit of the data to the model. The total score on MABC-2 and PDMS-2 was correlated well (r = 0.631). It is concluded that the reliability and validity of age band 1 of MABC-2 were fair in this study based on a large sample. However, there was a need to adjust part of items to improve the test's psychometric properties when it is used in Chinese children.     

Psychometric properties of the SCOPA‐AUT Brazilian Portuguese version

Cross‐cultural adaptation and psychometric assessment of the Scales for Outcomes in Parkinson's Disease‐Autonomic questionnaire (SCOPA‐AUT) Brazilian Portuguese version. 150 consecutive Parkinson's disease (PD) patients were evaluated by means of the SCOPA‐motor scale (SCOPA‐M), SCOPA‐cognition (SCOPA‐COG), Hoehn and Yahr staging (H&Y), nonmotor symptoms scale (NMSS), PD questionnaire (PDQ‐39), and SCOPA‐AUT. The following psychometric attributes were explored: acceptability, scaling assumptions, reliability, precision, and construct validity. Patients' age (mean ± standard deviation) was 63.1 ± 11.1 years (56.7% men; duration of disease, 8.7 ± 5.3 years; median H&Y, 2). Mean SCOPA‐AUT was 23.0 ± 11.2. SCOPA‐AUT did not show floor or ceiling effect. As a whole, the SCOPA‐AUT item‐domain correlation was satisfactory, except for items 2 (Saliva), 7 (Faecal incontinence), 16 (Syncope), and 19 (Cold intolerance) (|r_S| = 0.03–0.32). Internal consistency was adequate, except for thermoregulatory and cardiovascular domains (alpha coefficients, 0.56 and 0.63, respectively). Intraclass correlation coefficient for the total score was 0.71, whereas weighted kappa for individual items ranged from 0.15 to 0.71 (only items 4 and 7 were <0.40). Standard error of measurement was 6.04. The SCOPA‐AUT total score correlated closely with the NMSS total score (r_S = 0.65) and PDQ‐39 Summary Index (r_S = 0.61) and at a moderate level with H&Y staging (r_S = 0.35) and SCOPA‐MS total score (r_S = 0.39) (all r_S values, P < 0.0001). Correlation of SCOPA‐AUT with SCOPA‐COG was weak. SCOPA‐AUT significantly increased as the H&Y stage increased (Kruskal‐Wallis, P < 0.0001). The SCOPA‐AUT Brazilian Portuguese version is an acceptable, reliable, and valid questionnaire to evaluate autonomic dysfunction in PD. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society