Development,validity and reliability of a postal questionnaire assessing health states relevant to young persons with stroke in Sweden

Purpose.?The aim was to develop and test a postal questionnaire, the Swedish MYS questionnaire, for validity and reliability in order to survey health states relevant to young persons with stroke.

Method.?The questionnaire was designed with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health as a frame and tested for content validity, face validity and readability by a group of experts including an occupational therapist, a physician, a physiotherapist, a psychologist, a speech and language therapist, a welfare officer and a selected sample of young persons with stroke (n == 15). To test the questionnaire for reliability in terms of stability a test–retest was performed on a selected sample of young persons (n == 20) with stroke.

Results.?The questionnaire was found to be valid in terms of content validity, face validity and readability and finally consisted of 59 questions encompassing health states relevant to young persons with stroke. The questionnaire was stable in the test–retest (κ; 0.40–1.0) except for two questions and one alternative answer.

Conclusion.?The Swedish MYS questionnaire is a valid and reliable questionnaire that can be used in postal surveys of young persons with stroke except for two questions and one answering alternative, which need to be tested further.     

Validity,reliability and sensitivity of the NORLA-6: Naming and oral reading for language in aphasia 6-point scale

Purpose: Evaluation of the Naming and Oral Reading for Language in Aphasia 6-point scale (NORLA-6), a scoring system of oral reading and naming performance in aphasia.

Method: Data were drawn from 91 participants with non-fluent aphasia secondary to left-hemisphere stroke across four treatment studies. To assess validity, Spearman’s correlations were calculated between the NORLA-6 and the Gray Oral Reading Test-Fourth Edition (GORT-4) Accuracy score, GORT-4 Rate score and the Boston Naming Test (BNT). Inter-rater and test–retest reliability were evaluated using correlations. Sensitivity to change following oral reading intervention was analysed using Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests between pre- and post-treatment NORLA-6 scores.

Result: NORLA-6 performance was significantly correlated (p?r_s=0.84; GORT-4 Rate, r_s= 0.61; and BNT, r_s= 0.92). Inter-rater (ICC ≥0.90) and test–retest (r?>?0.92) reliability were both excellent. Sensitivity following oral reading intervention was demonstrated in both oral reading accuracy and rate (p?Conclusion: The NORLA-6 is a valid and reliable measure of oral reading and naming performance. It also demonstrates sensitivity to change in treatment-targeted behaviours. Therefore, the NORLA-6 scale may enhance outcome measurement in both clinical practice and aphasia research.     

Depression and cognitions after stroke: Validation of the Stroke Cognitions Questionnaire Revised (SCQR)

Purpose.?The Stroke Cognitions Questionnaire Revised (SCQR) was developed to assess the frequency of positive and negative cognitions of stroke patients. This paper aims to examine the construct validity, internal consistency, test – retest and inter-rater reliability of the SCQR.

Method.?The SCQR was constructed by revising the Stroke Cognitions Questionnaire and developing new items from the cognitive-behavioural-therapy treatment notes of depressed stroke patients. Fifty hospitalised stroke patients were assessed on the SCQR and the Beck Depression Inventory II. Test – retest reliability over a 1-week interval and inter-rater reliability were evaluated with the first 20 patients.

Results.?Total scores on the SCQR and the total number of positive and negative cognitions reported were significantly correlated with scores on the Beck Depression Inventory II (r = 0.54 – 0.80, p < 0.001). The scale had high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.91). Depressed patients reported significantly more negative cognitions and significantly less positive cognitions than those not depressed. Excellent agreement was found between two raters for all items on the SCQR (Kappa 0.89 – 1.00), and test – retest reliability was also good (r = 0.81, p < 0.001).

Conclusions.?The SCQR is a reliable and valid measure of cognitions relevant to stroke patients. The pattern of cognitions was similar to that found in primary depression (more negative and less positive cognitions), suggesting that therapies developed from the cognitive model of depression may be appropriate for stroke patients.     

Greek adaptation and validation of the Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Severity Scale

The purpose of this study was to cross-culturally adapt and validate the Greek version of the Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) Severity Scale, a self-reported instrument used for patients with PFPS. Four bi-lingual translators were involved in the translation and cultural adaptation procedures. Eighty-seven patients with PFPS (51 women and 36 men) participated in the study. To establish test–retest reliability, the patients were asked to complete the PFPS Severity Scale twice at initial visit; before and after physiotherapy treatment. The Greek version of the Knee Outcome Survey-Activities of Daily Living Scale (KOS-ADLS) was also administered once. Internal consistency of the translated instrument was measured using Cronbach α. An intraclass correlation coefficient was used to assess the test–retest reliability of the PFPS Severity Scale. Concurrent validity was measured by correlating the PFPS Severity Scale scores with the KOS-ADLS scores using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The results showed that the Greek PFPS Severity Scale has good internal consistency (Cronbach α = 0.949), test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.946) and concurrent validity (r > 0.7). In conclusion, the Greek version of PFPS Severity Scale is a reliable and valid measure when administered to patients with PFPS.     

Measurement properties of the Wheelchair Skills Test – Questionnaire for powered wheelchair users*

Purpose: To evaluate the test–retest reliability, concurrent validity and responsiveness of the Wheelchair Skills Test – Questionnaire (WST-Q) Version 4.1 for powered wheelchair users. Methods: A volunteer sample of 72 community-dwelling, experienced powered wheelchair users, ranging in age from 50 to 77 years, participated in this study. Participants completed measures at baseline and 1 month later. Results: Mean?±?standard deviation total percentage WST-Q scores at baseline and 1 month were 83.7%?±?10.9 and 86.3%?±?10.0 respectively. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.90 and the 1 month test–retest intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC_1,1) was 0.78 (confidence interval: 0.68–0.86). There were no floor or ceiling effects. Percentages of agreement between baseline and 1 month for individual skills ranged from 72.2% to 100%. The correlations between the WST-Q and the objective Wheelchair Skills Test (WST), WheelCon and Life Space Assessment were r?=?0.65, r?=?0.47 and r?=?0.47 respectively. The standard error of measurement (SEM) and smallest real difference (SRD) were 5.0 and 6.2 respectively. Conclusion: The WST-Q 4.1 has high internal consistency, strong test–retest reliability and strong support for concurrent validity and responsiveness.

• Implications for Rehabilitation:

• There is evidence of reliability, validity and responsiveness of the Wheelchair Skills Test – Questionnaire (WST-Q) among experienced older adult powered wheelchair users.

• The WST-Q can be used to measure powered wheelchair skills, guide intervention and measure change over time.

     

Measuring fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis: reproducibility,responsiveness and concurrent validity of three Dutch self-report questionnaires

Purpose.?To determine the reproducibility, responsiveness and concurrent validity of Dutch versions of the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), and Checklist Individual Strength (CIS20R) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Method.?Forthy-three ambulatory patients with MS (mean age 48.7 years; SD 7 years; 30 women; median Expanded Disability Status Scale score 3.5) completed the questionnaires twice within 1 week. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICCs), Bland and Altman analysis, the smallest detectable change (SDC) and the minimal detectable change (MDC) were calculated. Concurrent validity was determined by Pearson's correlation coefficients.

Results.?ICCs ranged from 0.76 (FSS), to 0.85 (MFIS) to 0.81 (CIS20R). Bland and Altman analysis showed no significant systematic differences between assessments. MDCs were 20.7% (FSS), 19.23% (MFIS), and 17.7% (CIS20R). Pearson correlation coefficients were r?=?0.66 (FSS–MFIS), r?=?0.54 (MFIS–CIS20R) and r?=?0.42 (CIS20R–FSS).

Conclusion.?Despite good test–retest reliability of FSS, MFIS and the CIS20R, the present study shows that fatigue questionnaires are not very responsive for change in patients with MS. This finding suggests that future trials should monitor profiles of fatigue by repeated measurements rather than pre-post assessments alone. The moderate associations suggest that the three questionnaires largely measure different aspects of perceived fatigue.     

The psychosocial impact of assistive devices scale (PIADS): Translation and psychometric evaluation of a Chinese (Taiwanese) version

Purpose.?Chinese language instruments for measuring the impact of assistive technology are needed. This article reports on the development and preliminary evaluation of a Chinese (Taiwanese) translation of the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale.

Method.?The language translation process followed standard procedures for cross-cultural adaptation, including: two versions of forward and backward translations, committee review, and pilot testing with bilingual participants. Test – retest reliability, internal consistency, and concurrent validity of the Chinese PIADS (C-PIADS) were evaluated with 60 participants from Taiwan who wear eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Results.?Cronbach's α values for internal consistency ranged from 0.72 to 0.93 for the C-PIADS total scale and three subscales. Test – retest reliability was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficient analysis, which produced values ranging from 0.79 to 0.88 for the overall C-PIADS score and three sub-scales. Overall C-PIADS scores were not statistically different from data obtained from a similar device user population in the original PIADS validation study.

Conclusions.?The results of our preliminary psychometric assessment support continued development of the C-PIADS. Future research should focus on three things: additional data collection from a similar participant population, data collection from people with disabilities using assistive technology in Taiwan; and modification of the C-PIADS for use in other Mandarin-speaking regions, e.g., China and Hong Kong.     

Psychometric properties of the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-11) among older people with chronic pain

Abstract

Objectives: The study aimed to test the construct validity, factor structure and reliability of the 11-item version of the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK-11, Swedish version) among older people (65+) with chronic pain. Design: Methodological study. Subjects: 433 participants with chronic pain (mean age 74.8, 65–98 years) completed postal questionnaires. 264 of the participants completed a test–retest assessment. Methods: Construct validity was evaluated through corrected item-total correlations. Convergent validity was analyzed by correlations with activity/activities of daily living (ADL) dependence, pain intensity and physical activity (all of which are constructs related to kinesiophobia according to fear-avoidance theories). Factor structure was tested through confirmatory factor analysis. Reliability was assessed with Cronbach’s α and test–retest reliability, analyzed by intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and weighted κ coefficient analysis. Results: Evidence of convergent validity was shown by significant positive correlations with activity/ADL dependence (r?=?0.20) and pain intensity (r?=?0.31), and a significant negative correlation with physical activity (r?=??0.38). Confirmatory factor analysis showed that both one- and two factor-solutions were possible. Cronbach’s α coefficients ranged between 0.74 and 0.87. Test–retest analysis showed strong agreement regarding ICC (r?=?0.75, 95% confidence interval 0.64–0.82). The weighted κ coefficients for the individual items showed fair to moderate reliability. Conclusion: The Swedish version of TSK-11 had acceptable construct validity, factor structure, and reliability and, hence, can be considered suitable for older people with chronic pain.     

Validity and reliability of Turkish version of the Pain Attitudes and Beliefs Scale for Physiotherapists

Abstract

Background: The initial purpose of this study was to perform a linguistic and cultural translation of the Pain Attitudes and Beliefs Scale for Physiotherapists into the Turkish language. Following the translation process the primary purpose of the study was to examine the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of Pain Attitudes and Beliefs Scale for Physiotherapists. Materials and methods: A survey study design was used. The Turkish version of Pain Attitudes and Beliefs Scale for Physiotherapists was developed. A pilot test was performed and a final version was completed. Participants were recruited to examine the reliability and validity of the new instrument. Participants received an online survey package with the PABS-PT-TR and Turkish Version of the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia. Results: A total of 51 physiotherapists (response rate 60.7%) completed the PABS-PT-TR and Turkish Version of the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia and 28 physiotherapists completed the retest. Factor analysis was conducted to determine the construct of the scale. Two factors emerged: one focused on biomedical orientation and the second on biopsychosocial orientation. The test–retest reliability (ICC) for the biomedical scale was 0.81 (95% CI?=?0.60–0.91) and 0.82 (95% CI?=?0.61–0.91) for the biopsychosocial scale. Internal consistency for the “biomedical” scale was Cronbach’s α?=?0.72 and α?=?0.59 for the biopsychosocial scale. When the relationship between PABS-PT-TR and TSK was investigated, r value was 0.39 (p?<?0.05) indicating fair convergent validity. These results indicated that the PABS-PT-TR shows construct validity. Conclusion: The PABS-PT-TR appears to have good test–retest reliability, acceptable to good internal consistency, and acceptable construct validity.     

Validity and reliability of the French translation of the VISA-A questionnaire for Achilles tendinopathy

Purpose: The Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment – Achilles tendinopathy questionnaire (VISA-A) evaluates the clinical severity of Achilles tendinopathy. The aim of this study was to translate the VISA-A into French and to study the reliability and validity of this French version, the VISA-AF.

Method: The VISA-A was translated into French to produce the VISA-AF using a validated methodology in six steps. Thereafter, several psychometric properties of this French version such as test–retest reliability, internal consistency, construct validity and floor and ceiling effects were evaluated. Therefore, we recruited 116 subjects, distributed into 3 groups: pathological patients (n?=?31), at-risk athletes (n?=?63) and healthy people (n?=?22).

Results: The final version of the VISA-AF was approved by an expert committee. On a scale ranging from 0 to 100, the average scores of the VISA-AF obtained were 59 (±?18) for the pathological group, 99 (±?1) for the healthy group and 94 (±?7) for the at-risk group. The VISA-AF shows excellent reliability, low correlations with the discriminant subscales of the SF-36 and moderate correlations with the convergent subscales of the SF-36.

Conclusions: The French version of the VISA-A is equivalent to its original version and is a reliable and valid questionnaire for French-speaking patients with Achilles tendinopathy.

• Implication for Rehabilitation

• The VISA-AF questionnaire is a reliable translation of the original VISA-A, from English into French, which is one of the most widespread languages in the world.

• The VISA-AF questionnaire is now a valid instrument that can be used by clinicians and researchers to assess the severity of pain and disability of French-speaking subjects with Achilles tendinopathy.

• The VISA-AF is a questionnaire to assess the severity of Achilles tendinopathy symptoms but is not a diagnostic tool.

     

Cross-cultural adaptation,reliability and validity of the Arabic version of the reduced Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis index in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Purpose: We adapted the reduced Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) index for the Arabic language and tested its metric properties in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: One hundred and twenty-one consecutive patients who were referred for physiotherapy to the outpatient department were asked to answer the Arabic version of the reduced WOMAC index (ArWOMAC). After the completion of the ArWOMAC, the intensity of knee pain and general health status were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) and the 12-item short form health survey (SF-12), respectively. A second assessment was performed at least 48?h after the first session to assess test–retest reliability. The test–retest reliability was quantified using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), and Cronbach’s alpha was calculated to assess the internal consistency of the Arabic questionnaire. The construct validity was assessed using Spearman rank correlation coefficients. Results: The total ArWOMAC scale and pain and function subscales were internally consistent with Cronbach’s coefficient alpha of 0.91, 0.89 and 0.90, respectively. Test–retest reliability was good to excellent with ICC of 0.91, 0.89 and 0.90, respectively. SF-12 and VAS score significantly correlated with ArWOMAC index (p?Conclusions: The ArWOMAC index is a reliable and valid instrument for evaluating the severity of knee OA, with metric properties in agreement with the original version.

• Implications for Rehabilitation

• Although, the reduced WOMAC index has been clinically utilized within the Saudi population, the Arabic version of this instrument is not validated for an Arab population to measure lower limb functional disability caused by OA.

• The Arabic version of reduced WOMAC (ArWOMAC) index is a reliable and valid scale to measure lower limb functional disability in patients with knee OA.

• The ArWOMAC index could be suitable in Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries where the language, culture and the life style are similar.

     

Greek cultural adaption and validation of the Kujala anterior knee pain scale in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome

Purpose: To cross-culturally adapt and validate the Greek version of the Kujala anterior knee pain scale (KAKPS). Methods: The Greek KAKPS was translated from the original English version following standard forward and backward translation procedures. The survey was then conducted in clinical settings by a questionnaire comprising the Greek KAKPS and patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) severity scale. A total of 130 (62 women and 68 men) Greek-reading patients between 18 and 45 years old with anterior knee pain (AKP) for at least four weeks were recruited from physical therapy clinics. To establish test–retest reliability, the patients were asked to complete the KAKPS at initial visit and 2–3 days after the initial visit. The Greek version of the PFPS severity scale was also administered once at initial visit. Internal consistency of the translated instrument was measured using Cronbach’s α. An intraclass correlation coefficient was used to assess the test–retest reliability of the KAKPS. Concurrent validity was measured by correlating the KAKPS with the PFPS severity scale using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results: The results showed that the Greek KAKPS has good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α?=?0.942), test–retest reliability (ICC?=?0.921) and concurrent validity (r?>?0.7). Conclusions: This study has shown that the Greek KAKPS has good internal consistency, test–retest reliability and concurrent validity when correlated with the PFPS severity scale in adult patients with AKP for at least four weeks.

• Implications for rehabilitation

• The Greek version of the KAKPS has been found to be reliable and valid when used in adult patients with AKP for at least four weeks.

• The results of the psychometric characteristics were compatible with those of the original English version.

• The KAKPS could be applied in a Greek-speaking population to assess functional limitations and symptoms in patients aged 18–45 years old with AKP for at least four weeks.

     

Quality of life after pulmonary embolism: validation of the PEmb‐QoL Questionnaire

Summary. Background: Even though quality of life (QoL) has become a key component of medical care, there is no instrument available that specifically measures QoL after pulmonary embolism (PE). Recently, the Pulmonary Embolism Quality of Life (PEmb‐QoL) Questionnaire has been developed to address this gap. Objective: To evaluate the validity of the PEmb‐QoL questionnaire. Methods: We distributed the PEmb‐QoL questionnaire and the Short Form‐36 (SF‐36) questionnaire twice among consecutive subjects with a history of objectively confirmed acute PE. Internal consistency reliability, test‐retest reliability, convergent validity and criterion validity, and correlations between the PEmb‐QoL and clinical patient characteristics were assessed using standard‐scale construction techniques. Results: Ninety participants completed the questionnaires twice. Internal consistency was adequate (Cronbach’s α 0.62–0.94), as well as test‐retest reliability (intra‐class correlation coefficients: 0.78–0.94). Furthermore, correlation between the PEmb‐QoL questionnaire and the SF‐36 questionnaire supported convergent validity. Age, obesity, cardiopulmonary comorbidity, centrally located PE and a family history of venous thromboembolism were shown to be independent determinants of disease‐specific QoL. Conclusion: The PEmb‐QoL questionnaire is a reliable instrument to specifically assess QoL following PE, which is helpful in the identification of patients with decreased QoL following acute PE.     

Development of a French-Canadian version of the Life-Space Assessment (LSA-F): content validity,reliability and applicability for power mobility device users

Purpose. To examine the measurement properties of the French-Canadian version of the Life-Space Assessment questionnaire (LSA-F) for power mobility device (PMD) users.

Methods. Content validity, test–retest reliability of telephone interviews (2-week interval) and applicability were examined with PMD users presenting neurological, orthopedic or medically complex conditions. Translation/back-translation from English to French and cultural adaptation was performed and pretested with five bilingual users. Test–retest reliability was examined with 40 French-speaking users, age 50 and over, who had been using a subsidised PMD for 2–15 months. Audio-taped interviews were coded to judge content validity and applicability.

Results. Content validity results confirmed equivalent meaning for most questions. The test–retest reliability was excellent for the composite score (intra-class correlation coefficient = 0.87) and revealed moderate to substantial concordance for 18/20 items (k = 0.47–0.73; P_a > 57.5%). The applicability of the LSA-F is satisfactory considering an acceptable burden of assessment, low refusal of the telephone interview format (8%; n = 4), reasonable administration time (9.2 ± 3.9 min) and a normally distributed composite score.

Conclusions. The LSA-F is a valid measure with regards to its content, stable over a period of 2 weeks and applicable for a population of middle-aged and older French-Canadian speaking adults who use PMDs.     

The multiple sclerosis work difficulties questionnaire: translation and cross-cultural adaptation to Turkish and assessment of validity and reliability

Abstract

Purpose: To linguistically and culturally adapt the Multiple Sclerosis Work Difficulties Questionnaire-23 (MSWDQ-23) for use in Turkey, and to examine its reliability and validity.

Methods: Following standard forward-back translation of the MSWDQ-23, it was administered to 124 people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Validity was evaluated using related outcome measures including those related to employment status and expectations, disability level, fatigue, walking, and quality of life. Randomly selected participants were asked to complete the MSWDQ-23 again to assess test–retest reliability.

Results: Confirmatory factor analysis on the MSWDQ-23 demonstrated a good fit for the data, and the internal consistency of each subscale was excellent. The test–retest reliability for the total score, psychological/cognitive barriers, physical barriers, and external barriers subscales were high. The MSWDQ-23 and its subscales were positively correlated with the employment, disability level, walking, and fatigue outcome measures.

Conclusions: This study suggests that the Turkish version of MSWDQ-23 has high reliability and adequate validity, and it can be used to determine the difficulties faced by people with multiple sclerosis in workplace. Moreover, the study provides evidence about the test–retest reliability of the questionnaire.

• Implications for rehabilitation

• Multiple sclerosis affects young people of working age.

• Understanding work-related problems is crucial to enhance people with multiple sclerosis likelihood of maintaining their job.

• The Multiple Sclerosis Work Difficulties Questionnaire-23 (MSWDQ-23) is a valid and reliable measure of perceived workplace difficulties in people with multiple sclerosis: we presented its validation to Turkish.

• Professionals working in the field of vocational rehabilitation may benefit from using the MSWDQ-23 to predict the current work outcomes and future employment expectations.

     

Italian adaptation of the functional outcome questionnaire – aphasia: initial psychometric evaluation

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Italian version of Functional Outcome Questionnaire – Aphasia.

Methods: Two hundred and five persons with stroke-related aphasia and right hemiparesis who received ongoing assistance from a family caregiver were assessed using the Functional Outcome Questionnaire – Aphasia, Aachener Aphasie Test, Token Test, Raven’s Coloured Progressive Matrices, Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Functional Assessment Measure (FAM), and Quality of Life Questionnaire for Aphasics (QLQA). The Functional Outcome Questionnaire – Aphasia was translated into the Italian language using a translation and back-translation method. Reliability and construct validity of the Functional Outcome Questionnaire – Aphasia were evaluated.

Results: The Italian version of the Functional Outcome Questionnaire – Aphasia showed good internal consistency and test–retest reliability for the overall scale (α?=?0.98; ICC?=?0.95) and subscales (α?=?0.89 for the communicating basic needs (CBN), α?=?0.92 for the making routine requests (MRR), α?=?0.96 for the communicating new information (CNI), α?=?0.93 for the attention/other communication skills (AO); ICC?=?0.95 for CBN, ICC?=?0.96 for MRR, ICC?=?0.97 for CNI and ICC?=?0.92 for AO). Significant correlations were found between the Functional Outcome Questionnaire – Aphasia and Token Test, QLQA, Aachener Aphasie Test scores, and FAM linguistic scores, indicating good convergent validity. Low correlations were found between Functional Outcome Questionnaire – Aphasia and Raven’s Coloured Progressive Matrices and FIM motor scores, showing good discriminant validity.

Conclusions: The overall findings of this study supported the reliability and construct validity of the Italian version of the Functional Outcome Questionnaire – Aphasia. This measure holds considerable promise in assessing the functional outcomes of aphasia rehabilitation in Italian-speaking persons with aphasia.

• Implications for Rehabilitation

• Functional Outcome Questionnaire – Aphasia is a reliable and valid questionnaire in assessing functional communication of Italian-speaking people with aphasia.

• This measure provides critical information about people with aphasia’s functional and pragmatic communication in home and community settings, contributing significantly to overall quality of life.

• Since the use of measures of functional communication is recommended in the clinical evaluation of language disease, the Italian version of Functional Outcome Questionnaire – Aphasia may be effective in tailoring rehabilitation treatment to the presenting communication problems of people with aphasia and their caregivers.

     

Development and validation of the Italian version of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure III

Purpose.?To provide a translation and cultural adaptation of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure version III scale for Italy (i-SCIM3) and to validate this version of the scale.

Method.?i-SCIM3 was developed involving a forward–backward translation and administered to patients with spinal cord lesions (SCL) admitted to two centers. Two raters for each center evaluated patients at admission and discharge. Psychometric testing included reliability by internal consistency (Cronbach's α) and test–retest reliability. The validity of i-SCIM3 was assessed by comparing it with the Italian version of Functional Independence Measure? (FIM?).

Results.?One hundred three adult patients with SCL (84 males) with a mean age of 50.33?±?15.35 years were recruited. Seventy-four patients were paraplegic and 29 patients were tetraplegic. The median time elapsed between the two evaluations was 77.5 days (interquartile range, 53–144 days). Internal consistency, inter-rater reliability, and test–retest reliability were satisfactory overall, showing values higher than 0.90. The validity of i-SCIM3 was confirmed by the close correlation with FIM results both at admission and discharge (r?=?0.91, p?<?0.01). The sensitivity to change of i-SCIM3 was similar to that of FIM.

Conclusion.?i-SCIM3 was found to be a consistent, reliable, and valid scale for use in the clinical setting. It is the first validated scale in Italian for patients with SCL.     

Psychometric properties of the Swedish version of the selection,optimization, compensation questionnaire

Scand J Caring Sci; 2013; 27; 460–467 Psychometric properties of the Swedish version of the selection, optimization, compensation questionnaire Background: The model of selection, optimization and compensation has been proposed as a model of adaptive management strategies throughout the lifespan. Aim: The aim of this study was to test the psychometric properties of a translated Swedish version of the 12‐item selection, optimization, and compensation (SOC) questionnaire. Method: The 12‐item SOC questionnaire is composed of four subscales: elective selection (ES), loss‐based selection, optimization and compensation. A convenience sample of 122 Swedish‐speaking people, aged 19–85, participated in a study of the validity and reliability of the SOC questionnaire. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, corrected item–total correlation and Cronbach’s alpha if item deleted were used for reliability testing. Two other scales, the ways of coping questionnaire and Rosenberg’s self‐esteem scale, were used to test convergent validity, and the geriatric depression scale was used to test discriminant validity. Stability over time was evaluated using a test–retest model with a 2‐week interval. Results: The 12‐item SOC questionnaire showed a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.50, and the subscales ranged from α = 0.16 to α = 0.64. Two items in the ES subscale had negative values on the corrected item–total correlation and showed substantial improvement (>0.05) in Cronbach’s alpha when item deleted. When these two items that influenced internal consistency were deleted, Cronbach’s alpha rose to 0.68. Conclusion: The Swedish version of the 12‐item SOC questionnaire showed deficiencies in a test of internal consistency because of two items in the ES subscale, and these two items were deleted. A consequence of the reduction is a weakening of the ES subscale and thereby to some extent the SOC questionnaire in total. Further testing is advisable. However, the 10‐item SOC questionnaire was acceptable in a test of validity and reliability.     

The ProFitMap-neck – reliability and validity of a questionnaire for measuring symptoms and functional limitations in neck pain

Purpose: To assess overall reliability and validity of a neck-specific questionnaire, the Profile Fitness Mapping neck questionnaire (ProFitMap-neck), on three chronic neck pain groups. Method: Participating groups were as follows: whiplash associated disorders, inpatient care (IP-WAD, n?=?127); nonspecific neck pain, inpatient care (IP-NS, n?=?83) and nonspecific neck pain subjects (non-IP-NS, n?=?104). All groups answered the ProFitMap-neck and the SF-36, whereas non-IP-NS also answered the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and the Functional Self-Efficacy Scale (SES). Internal consistency, test–retest reliability and components of convergent construct, face and content validity were determined for the ProFitMap-neck. Results: The ProFitMap-neck showed good internal consistency in all three groups, and ICC test–retest reliability (0.80–0.91). Good correlation (0.66–0.78) and highest agreement was reached with NDI. According to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, the symptom scale of the ProFitMap-neck was mainly classified to the domain of impairments–body functions, and the functional limitation scale to the activity limitation domain. Conclusion: The results indicate that the ProFitMap-neck is valid for measuring symptoms and functional limitations in people with chronic neck pain. The combination of a composite total score of symptoms and function as well as separate scores of each domain makes ProFitMap-neck suitable for research as well as in clinical practice.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• The ProFitMap-neck can be used as a valid self-assessment tool for measuring symptoms and functional limitations in people belonging to the most prevalent categories of neck pain.

• The combination of the symptom and functional limitation questionnaire scores in a total score can be used for an overall clinical judgment.

     

Psychometric evaluation of a Norwegian version of the Communication Strategies Scale of the Communication Profile for the Hearing Impaired

Aim. To evaluate the Communication Strategies Scale (CSS) in an adult Norwegian sample with hearing loss.

Subjects and methods. Of 474 invited patients, a total of 337 consecutive adults admitted to the outpatient Unit of Audiology, ENT Department of a university hospital answered the CSS of the Communication Profile for the Hearing Impaired. The inventory assesses the use of three specific coping strategies; Maladaptive Behaviour, Verbal and Nonverbal Communication Strategies. The psychometric evaluation included construct validity by corrected item-total correlation, the internal consistency reliability by coefficient alpha (Cronbach's) and standard error of the measurement (SEM). Internal structure was evaluated by factor analyses using principal factors followed by a varimax rotation.

Results. CSS showed good psychometric properties with acceptable and good internal consistency reliability for the subscales. The internal structure of the entire scale gave main loadings at 24 of 25 items at the same factor as the original one.

Conclusion. CSS may well be used as a clinical tool in the routine assessment of maladaptive and adaptive communication strategies in an unselected adult population of hearing impaired outpatients.