Translation,cross-cultural adaptation and validity of the Brazilian version of the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure questionnaire

Purpose: To translate and cross-culturally adapt the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) questionnaire and verify the psychometric properties of the Brazilian–Portuguese version of this instrument.

Methods: Analysis of validity was carried out by applying the Rasch model and evaluating correlations with the Short Form-36 (SF-36) Physical Function (PF) subscale. Test–retest reliability and internal consistency were analyzed with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC_2,1) and Cronbach’s alpha tests, respectively.

Results: Ninety subjects with various foot and ankle musculoskeletal disorders (age 37.05 SD 10.49 years) were included. The ICC_2,1 was 0.88 and 0.82 with Cronbach’s alphas of 0.93 and 0.90 for the “Activities of Daily Living” (ADL) and “Sports” subscales, respectively. Correlations with the SF-36 PF were 0.78 (p?95: 0.62–0.87) and 0.65 (p?95: 0.45–0.79) for the ADL and Sports subscales, respectively. Item reliability indices in Rasch analysis were 0.91 (ADL) and 0.84 (Sports). Three items from the ADL subscale (14.2%) did not match the expectations of the model. All items from the Sports subscale fit the model.

Conclusions: There is evidence of validity and reliability of the FAAM-Brazil. Rasch analysis indicated that three items of the ADL subscale did not fit the model in the sample studied.

• Implications for Rehabilitation

• Self-report questionnaires are commonly used in both clinical practice and research because of their ability to efficiently collect information. If the instrument is created properly, the information collected can be used to interpret the effect of clinical conditions on physical function.

• The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) is an evaluative instrument that assesses functional limitations for those with foot- and ankle-related disorders. It was translated into four languages and has evidence of validity, reliability, and responsiveness.

• Evidence of validity and reliability is provided for the FAAM-Brazil when applied to subjects with a wide range of foot and ankle musculoskeletal disorders.

     

踝关节平衡装置训练对功能性踝关节不稳患者踝关节功能及姿势控制能力的影响

目的:拟探究新型踝关节平衡装置训练对功能性踝关节不稳(FAI)患者踝关节功能及姿势控制能力的影响。方法:将符合纳入条件的FAI患者45名随机分为常规组(n=21)和平衡组(n=24),2组患者分别接受常规功能训练和新型踝关节平衡训练装置训练,8周干预前后,使用Noraxon表面肌电测试系统和Trap-door踝关节内翻诱发装置进行踝周肌肉潜伏期的测试,使用Biodex Systems IV型等速肌力测试系统进行踝关节位置觉和踝内外翻等速肌力的测试,使用Y型平衡测试(YBT)系统进行姿势控制能力的测试,使用坎伯兰踝关节不稳定工具(CAIT)对FAI患者进行评分。结果:干预8周后,平衡组FAI患者的CAIT评分、踝周肌肉潜伏期(腓肠肌内侧头、腓肠肌外侧头、腓骨长肌、胫骨前肌)、峰值踝外翻力矩和姿势控制能力(内收、外展的最大距离)相比于干预前显著改善(P<0.05),且明显优于对照组(P<0.05)。结论:相比于常规功能训练,踝关节平衡装置训练可以更显著地提高FAI患者的姿势控制能力和踝关节的功能。     

Performance of Common Clinician- and Self-Report Measures in Assessing the Function of Community-Dwelling People With Metastatic Breast Cancer

Cheville AL, Basford JR, Troxel AB, Kornblith AB. Performance of common clinician- and self-report measures in assessing the function of community-dwelling people with metastatic breast cancer.

Objective

To characterize the performance of common clinician- and self-report measures of function in assessing community-dwelling people with metastatic breast cancer.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

A tertiary medical center outpatient cancer clinic.

Participants

A consecutive sample of community-dwelling patients (N=163) with stage IV breast cancer.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Physical Functioning (PF-10) and Role Physical subscales; the Older Americans Resource Study (OARS) activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental ADL subscales; Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS); and the FIM Total and FIM Mobility scores.

Results

With the exception of the PF-10 and Role Physical subscales, which demonstrated floor effects, ceiling effects were detected in all the measures and were particularly persistent in the OARS ADL subscale. Instrument and item score distributions varied markedly across KPS-defined subgroups with FIM Mobility, FIM Total, and OARS subscale score distributions deviating least from the normal in the lowest performing (KPS 40–50) participants. Correlations between self-reported (Role Physical subscales, PF-10, OARS ADL subscales) and the clinician-rated (KPS and FIM scales) scales were moderate to high (r=.55–.82); however, clinician-reported scores were more consistently associated with the presence of physical impairments.

Conclusions

In this population with stage IV breast cancer, ceiling effects limit the discriminatory capacity of the common functional scales assessed in this study. Instruments and items, particularly when ADL based, tend to perform better at lower levels of function (KPS 40–50) and less well at higher levels. Clinician-rated outcomes may have greater capacity to discriminate the presence of physical impairments.     

The use of proxies in community integration research

OBJECTIVE: To assess the level of agreement between persons with various disabilities and their proxies in reporting community integration outcomes using the Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique (CHART). DESIGN: Reliability study. SETTING: Participants living in the community for a minimum of 6 months after onset of disability or completion of inpatient rehabilitation. PARTICIPANTS: Persons (n = 983) with disability resulting from amputation, burn, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury (SCI), stroke, or traumatic brain injury and their self-selected proxies. INTERVENTIONS: Telephone interview of subjects (FIM instrument, CHART); proxies (CHART). FIM instrument assesses the degree of assistance with physical and cognitive subscales; CHART measures community integration in 6 subscales: physical, cognitive, and economic independence, and mobility, social integration, and occupation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to assess participant-proxy agreement, and stepwise multiple regressions were used to identify patterns of difference in agreement based on disability type and demographic variables. RESULTS: Thirty-seven of the 38 items examined for the entire sample yielded moderate to strong ICCs. Multiple regression analyses indicated that proxies overrated participants with severe functional cognitive disabilities on the mobility subscale (p < .001), overrated participants with less than a high school education on the total CHART score (p < .01), and underrated participants with SCIs on the occupation subscale (p < .01). Differences in all cases, however, were less than 6 points out of a possible score of 100 per subscale. CONCLUSIONS: Participant-proxy agreement across the 6 disability groups provided evidence in support of the inclusion of proxy data for persons with various types of disabilities in community integration research.     

Immediate effects of anterior to posterior talocrural joint mobilizations following acute lateral ankle sprain

Restrictions in ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) have been associated with decreased posterior talar glide in individuals with an acute lateral ankle sprain. Talocrural joint mobilizations may be used to restore joint arthrokinematics. Our purpose was to examine the effects of a single bout of anterior to posterior (AP) talocrural joint mobilization on self-reported function, dorsiflexion ROM, and posterior talar translation in individuals with an acute lateral ankle sprain. This single-blinded, randomized controlled trial utilized 17 volunteers (nine treatment and eight control) with an acute lateral ankle sprain (grade I/II) who were immobilized for a period of 1–7 days. The treatment group received a single 30-second bout of grade III AP talocrural joint mobilization the day their immobilization device was removed, while the control group did not receive any intervention. Active dorsiflexion ROM and posterior talar translation were assessed before, immediately after, and 24 hours after receipt of the treatment or control interventions. Self-reported function and pain were assessed before and 24 hours after the receipt of the treatment or control interventions using the foot and ankle disability index. Collectively all groups demonstrated improved dorsiflexion ROM and self-reported function. There was a significant decrease in pain perception at 24-hour follow-up for the treatment group. A single bout of AP talocrural joint mobilizations may not have an immediate effect on ankle dorsiflexion ROM, posterior talar translation, or self-reported function; however, they may have an immediate effect on pain perception in individuals with an acute lateral ankle sprain.     

Scale to measure patient satisfaction with physical therapy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Patient satisfaction can be one indicator of quality of care. In this study, a patient satisfaction questionnaire for physical therapy was developed. SUBJECTS: The subjects were a consecutive sample of 1,024 patients who received physical therapy between January and March 1999 at a teaching hospital in Geneva, Switzerland. METHODS: A cross-sectional mail survey was conducted in which a structured questionnaire measuring patient satisfaction with various aspects of physical therapy followed by open-ended questions was sent to the subjects. RESULTS: Overall, 528 of 1,024 patients (52%) responded (patient demographics for 501 respondents who provided demographic data: mean years of age=58.6, SD=18.9, range=15-95; 258 men, 243 women). Factor analysis was used to identify main domains of satisfaction, and a scale was constructed to measure satisfaction with each dimension: treatment subscale (5 items), admission subscale (3 items), logistics subscale (4 items), and a global assessment subscale (2 items). All subscales had good acceptability and small floor and ceiling effects. Internal consistency coefficients varied between.77 and.90, indicating good reliability for all subscales. Scale validity was supported by a logical grouping of items into subscales, according to their content, and by correlations of satisfaction scores with the patient's intention to recommend the facility and with the number of positive and negative comments to open-ended questions. Younger patients were less satisfied than older patients for 2 of the subscales (admission and logistics). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The 14-item instrument is a promising tool for the evaluation of patient satisfaction with physical therapy in both inpatients and outpatients.     

The influence of fascial manipulation on function,ankle dorsiflexion range of motion and postural sway in individuals with chronic ankle instability

BackgroundProprioceptive deficits may attribute to functional Chronic ankle instability (CAI) with impairments in balance and postural control. Physical therapy interventions such as taping, bracing, manual therapy, and balance training play an essential role in managing ankle instabilities. Fascial Manipulation (FM) is a manual therapy technique considered to restore function by improving the joint range of motion and proprioception. However, the effects of FM on Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ADROM) and postural sway in athletes with chronic ankle instability are unclear.ObjectiveThis study aims to determine the effect of FM on function, ADROM, and Postural sway in athletes with CAI.DesignSingle group, pretest-posttest design.MethodsIndividuals with a history of recurrent ankle sprains with the Cumberland ankle instability tool (CAIT) score of ≤27 were included. FM was applied to the painful and densified center of coordination points on the lower limb myofascial lines based on Stecco's FM method. The outcomes measures include Foot and ankle disability index (FADI), ADROM during the weight-bearing lunge, and postural sway (excursion of the center of pressure during single limb stance).ResultsThere was a significant improvement in the FADI scores (Z = −3.626, p < 0.05), ADROM [F (2)=38.056, p<0.05], ηp ² = 0.69 following FM. However, the center of pressure excursion with both opened and closed eyes showed no differences following FM.ConclusionSince fascial manipulation had shown improvement in the function and ankle dorsiflexion range, it can be used as an adjunct treatment strategy in CAI management.     

The effectiveness of strain counterstrain in the treatment of patients with chronic ankle instability: A randomized clinical trial

Study Design:

Randomized clinical trial.

Objective:

To determine the effect of strain counterstrain (SCS) on dynamic balance and subjective sense of instability in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI).Although many studies have been published on CAI, the cause for this common clinical dysfunction remains inconclusive. No studies have assessed the effectiveness of SCS on CAI.

Methods:

At baseline all participants completed a demographic questionnaire, the star excursion balance test (SEBT), and the foot and ankle ability measure (FAAM). Following the baseline evaluation, participants were randomized into the SCS experimental group (EG) (n = 13) or the sham SCS group (SG) (n = 14). All participants received the assigned treatment once a week for 4 weeks and participated in a prescribed exercise program. At week 4, all participants repeated the outcome measures and completed a global rating of change (GROC) form. The primary aim was examined with a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results:

A significant group-by-time interaction was found for seven directions in the SEBT (P<0.031). For subjective measures, no significant group-by-time interaction was found for the FAAM (P>0.548), but the GROC revealed a significant difference (P = 0.014) in the mean score for the EG (3.92±1.66) when compared to the SG (2.43±1.66).

Discussion:

Although SCS may not have an effect on subjective ankle function in individuals with CAI, preliminary evidence suggests that SCS may lead to an improvement in dynamic ankle stability and the subjective sense of ankle instability.

Level of Evidence:

Therapy, Level 1b.     

Correlation between upper limb function and oral health impact in stroke survivors

[Purpose] The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between upper limb impairment and oral health impact in individuals with hemiparesis stemming from a stroke. [Subjects and Methods] The study subjects were conducted with a sample of 27 stroke survivors with complete or partial hemiparesis with brachial or crural predominance. The 14-item short version of the Oral Health Impact Profile was used to evaluate perceptions of oral health. The Brazilian version of the Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale was used to evaluate perceptions regarding quality of life. [Results] A statistically significant association was found between the upper extremity function subscale of the SSQOL-Brazil and the impact of oral health evaluated using the OHIP-14, with a strong correlation found for the physical pain subscale, moderate correlations with the functional limitation, psychological discomfort, physical disability, social disability and social handicap subscales as well as a weak correlation with the psychological disability subscale. Analyzing the OHIP-14 scores with regard to the impact of oral health on quality of life, the most frequent classification was weak impact, with small rates of moderate and strong impact. [Conclusion] Compromised upper limb function and self-perceived poor oral health, whether due to cultural resignation or functional disability, exert a negative impact on the quality of life of individuals with hemiparesis stemming from a stroke.Key words: Quality of life, Oral Health, Stroke     

Observation-based assessment of functional ability in patients with chronic widespread pain: a cross-sectional study

Knowledge about functional ability, including activities of daily living (ADL), in patients with chronic widespread pain (CWP) and fibromyalgia (FMS) is largely based on self-report. The purpose of this study was to assess functional ability by using standardised, observation-based assessment of ADL performance and to examine the relationship between self-reported and observation-based measures of disability. A total of 257 women with CWP, 199 (77%) fulfilling the American College of Rheumatology tender point criteria for FMS, were evaluated with the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS), an observation-based assessment providing linear measures of ADL motor and ADL process skill ability (unit: logits). A cutoff for effortless and independent ADL task performance is set at 2.0 for the motor scale and 1.0 for the process scale. A total of 248 (96.5%) had ability measures below the 2.00 ADL motor cutoff and 107 (41.6%) below the 1.00 ADL process cutoff, indicating increased effort and/or inefficiency during task performance as well as a potential need of assistance for community living. Mean ADL motor ability measure was 1.07 and was significantly lower in patients diagnosed with FMS than plain CWP (1.02 vs 1.27 logits, P = .001). Mean ADL process ability measure was 1.09 logits and was without difference between FMS and plain CWP (1.07 vs 1.16 logits, P = .064). Only weak to moderate correlations between self-reported functional ability and observation-based AMPS ability measures were observed. The results of the study support the notion of considerable performance difficulties in women with CWP. The everyday life problems are substantial and place the individual at risk of need of support for community living.     

Test-retest reliability and internal consistency of the Quebec-French version of the Survey of Pain Attitudes

OBJECTIVE: To determine the test-retest reliability and internal consistency of the Quebec-French version of the Survey of Pain Attitudes (QAD/F-SOPA). DESIGN: Measurement of test-retest reliability (2-wk interval) and internal consistency. SETTING: Five rehabilitation settings that offer services to chronic pain patients. PARTICIPANTS: Convenience sample of 69 Francophone adults (having either French as the mother tongue or a good mastery of French) with musculoskeletal pain for a minimum of 6 months and stable pain condition during the test-retest interval. INTERVENTIONS: Completion of the QAD/F-SOPA twice within a 2-week interval. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Test-retest reliability (Pearson r , 2-tail paired t test, P <.001) and internal consistency (Cronbach alpha at time 1). RESULTS: Fifty-six subjects completed the QAD/F-SOPA on both occasions. Except for the disability subscale, the r values fell between 0.7 and 0.9 (high correlation). For the paired t test, all subscales (except for control and medication) had a P value greater than .05, confirming their test-retest stability. All subscales showed satisfactory internal consistency estimates (0.7-0.9) except for the harm (.67) and disability (.64) subscales. CONCLUSIONS: Globally, the QAD/F-SOPA has good reliability and validity properties and meets the prerequisites for use for clinical and research purposes. The disability subscale shows weaker properties; further studies would help determine how it could be improved.     

Pain, functional disability, and psychologic status in tennis elbow

OBJECTIVES: First to compare pain and functional disability in tennis elbow (TE) patients with healthy controls. Second, to evaluate the relationship between the 2 major psychologic factors (anxiety and depression) and TE. METHODS: Sixteen TE patients were recruited from 46 consecutive attendees at an upper limb clinic: inclusion criteria were lateral epicondyle tenderness, pain with resisted wrist and middle finger extension and at least 3 months localized lateral elbow pain. Sixteen healthy controls with no upper limb problem were recruited from students and staff. Participants were given 4 questionnaires, together with instructions for completion: Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand, Patient-Rated Forearm Evaluation Questionnaire, Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation Questionnaire, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The independent t test was used to compare the total and subscale scores between the groups. RESULTS: Significantly higher scores were found in TE for pain and function subscales and also total score for Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand, Patient-Rated Forearm Evaluation Questionnaire, and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation Questionnaire. For Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, both anxiety and depression subscales (P<0.001) and the total score (P<0.01) were significantly higher in TE. According to the anxiety and depression subscales, 55% and 36% of patients, respectively, were classified as probable cases (score >11). DISCUSSION: TE patients showed markedly increased pain and functional disability. Significantly elevated levels of depression and anxiety pointed out the importance of psychologic assessment in TE patients. In the development of supportive and treatment strategies, we suggest the combination of "upper limb" and "psychologic" assessment tools.     

Predictors of adherence to glatiramer acetate therapy in individuals with self-reported progressive forms of multiple sclerosis.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate psychological, biophysical, and sociodemographic variables as predictors of adherence to glatiramer acetate (Copaxone) therapy in individuals with self-reported progressive forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). The literature lends support for self-efficacy, self-esteem, hope, and disability to be predictors of adherence. Therefore the hypotheses for this study were (a) higher self-efficacy will be a significant predictor of adherence, (b) higher self-esteem will be a significant predictor of adherence, (c) higher hope will be a significant predictor of adherence, and (d) a lower level of disability will be a significant predictor of adherence. The MS Self-Efficacy Scale (MSSE), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Herth Hope Index, and Performance Scales; a sociodemographic questionnaire; and an information sheet regarding consent to participate in the study were mailed to 1,200 potential participants. A total of 594 individuals responded, and for the evaluation of predictors of adherence in individuals with self-reported progressive forms of MS, 199 met the criteria. Logistic regression analysis revealed four significant predictors of adherence: the MSSE Control subscale, MSSE Function subscale, perceived support of the physician, and perceived support of the spouse. The higher the score on the MSSE Control subscale, the more likely the individual will adhere to glatiramer acetate therapy. The higher the score on the MSSE Function subscale, the more likely the individual will adhere to glatiramer acetate therapy. The MSSE Control and Function subscales show promise of being useful to predict adherence.     

Cross-cultural adaptation,reliability, and validity of the Persian version of the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to translate and to cross-culturally adapt the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) into Persian language and to evaluate its psychometric properties.

Method: The International Quality of Life Assessment process was pursued to translate CAIT into Persian. Two groups of Persian-speaking individuals, 105 participants with a history of ankle sprain and 30 participants with no history of ankle sprain, were asked to fill out Persian version of CAIT (CAIT-P), Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Data obtained from the first administration of CAIT were used to evaluate floor and ceiling effects, internal consistency, dimensionality, and criterion validity. To determine the test–retest reliability, 45 individuals re-filled CAIT 5–7 days after the first session.

Results: Cronbach’s alpha was over the cutoff point of 0.70 for both ankles and in both groups. The intra-class correlation coefficient was high for right (0.95) and left (0.91) ankles. There was a strong correlation between each item and the total score of the CAIT-P. Although the CAIT-P had strong correlation with VAS, its correlation with both subscales of FAAM was moderate.

Conclusions: The CAIT-P has good validity and reliability and it can be used by clinicians and researchers for identification and investigation of functional ankle instability.

• Implications for Rehabilitation

• Chronic ankle instability is one of the most common consequences of acute ankle sprain.

• Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool is an acceptable measure to determine functional ankle instability and its severity.

• The Persian version of Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool is a valid and reliable tool for clinical and research purpose in Persian-speaking individuals.

     

功能性踝关节不稳患者踝关节背伸/跖屈和外翻/内翻峰值力矩比值与姿势控制能力的相关性研究

目的:探讨功能性踝关节不稳(FAI)患者踝关节背伸/跖屈(D/P)和外翻/内翻(E/I)峰值力矩比值与其姿势控制能力的相关性.方法:纳入符合标准的FAI患者30例,采用等速肌力测试评估患者健侧和患侧踝关节在不同角速度下的D/P值和E/I值,同时采用Pro-Kin 254评估患者健侧和患侧静态平衡能力、动态平衡能力和本体...     

Twelve-week biomechanical ankle platform system training on postural stability and ankle proprioception in subjects with unilateral functional ankle instability

BACKGROUND: Functional ankle instability is defined as the subjective sensation of giving way or feeling joint instability after repeated episodes of ankle sprain. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 12-week biomechanical ankle platform system training on static postural stability and ankle reposition sense in subjects with unilateral functional ankle instability. METHODS: Twelve university students (4 females and 8 males) with unilateral functional ankle instability volunteered as subjects. The active and passive reposition senses were assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer. The mean radius of the center of pressure excursion was recorded during single-leg standing with a force platform. A 12-week training program and a progression test for controlling the platform in certain directions and advancing to next training level was given to each subject. Repeated-measures 2-way analyses of variance were conducted to determine differences in postural stability and ankle proprioception between each limb before and after the training period. FINDINGS: The mean radius of center of pressure on unilateral standing and the absolute error from pre-selected ankle angle in the functional ankle instability limb were significantly reduced after 12 weeks of training. INTERPRETATION: These improvements in postural stability appear to reflect improved neuromuscular ability along with enhanced functional joint stability, as ankle proprioception also demonstrated the same positive improvements after training.     

Foot and ankle ability measure to measure functional limitations in patients with foot and ankle disorders: a Chinese cross-cultural adaptation and validation

Purpose: To perform a cultural adaptation and validation study (internal and external) of the FAAM questionnaire to create the Chinese version of the questionnaire (FAAM-Ch).

Materials and methods: Two independent professional native translators performed a translation from English to Chinese and reverse translation. Psychometric properties analysis: Internal consistency of measure was analysed through the Cronbach’s α coefficients. After extraction by maximum likelihood (EML), the structure factor and construct validity was analysed; to extract a factor, it was necessary to complete the following three requirements:?≥10% of variance, Eigenvalue >1.0 and scree plot inflection point. Standard error measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change 90 (MDC90) were calculated. FFI-Taiwan version, SF12v2, and EuroQol5D were used for criterion validity analysis.

Results: The internal consistency (Cronbach’s α) for specific FAAM-Ch subscales was 0.879 (ADL) and 0.901 (Sport); test–retest analysis (interclass correlation) item ranging between 0.758 and 0.970 (ADL: 0758–0946; Sport: 0.911–0.970). Measures error: 3.449% (MDC90) and 1.478% (SEM). Chi-squared value =15228.74 and gl 406) (p?Conclusions: FAAM-Chinese version has satisfactory “transversal” psychometric properties, facilitating the inclusion of FAAM-Chinese into research and clinical practice.

• Implications for Rehabilitation

• Cross-cultural adaptation of the FAAM-Ch has been performed from the original version.

• The psychometric properties of the FAAM-Ch indicate satisfactory and consistent results (particularly in the internal consistence, reliability and criterion validity) with the original version.

• FAAM-Ch can be used by Chinese speaking clinicians and researches.

     

Chinese cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Foot Function Index as tool to measure patients with foot and ankle functional limitations

Purpose: To perform a cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Foot Function Index (FFI) questionnaire to develop the Chinese version.

Materials and methods: Three hundred and six patients with foot and ankle neuromusculoskeletal diseases participated in this observational study. Construct validity, internal consistency and criterion validity were calculated for the FFI Chinese version after the translation and transcultural adaptation process.

Results: Internal consistency ranged from 0.996 to 0.998. Test–retest analysis ranged from 0.985 to 0.994; minimal detectable change 90: 2.270; standard error of measurement: 0.973. Load distribution of the three factors had an eigenvalue greater than 1. Chi-square value was 9738.14 (p?r?=??0.634 (Factor 2) and r?=??0.191 (Factor 1). Foot Function Index (Taiwan Version), Short-Form 12 (Version 2) and EuroQol-5D were used for criterion validity. Factors 1 and 2 showed significant correlation with 15/16 and 14/16 scales and subscales, respectively.

Conclusions: Foot Function Index Chinese version psychometric characteristics were good to excellent. Chinese researchers and clinicians may use this tool for foot and ankle assessment and monitoring.

• Implications for rehabilitation

• A cross-cultural adaptation of the FFI has been done from original version to Chinese.

• Consistent results and satisfactory psychometric properties of the Foot Function Index Chinese version have been reported.

• For Chinese speaking researcher and clinician FFI-Ch could be used as a tool to assess patients with foot disease.

     

The relationship between catastrophizing and disability in amputees experiencing phantom pain

Purpose: In recent years, researchers have noted that catastrophizing predicts both self-reported and objective measures of disability in a variety of chronic pain conditions. The present study sought to examine this in a working-age amputee population experiencing phantom pain.

Method: Participants completed a postal questionnaire incorporating measures of pain, disability and coping. A response rate of 62% resulted in 315 completed data sets being incorporated into the study.

Results: Utilizing the three subscales of the Sickness Impact Profile, catastrophizing uniquely predicted 11% of the variance in overall level of disability, 6% in physical disability and 13% in psychosocial disability after accounting for demographic, amputation and pain-related variables.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that catastrophizing is a significant predictor of self-reported disability in an amputee population. This population have lifetime rehabilitation needs in that prostheses have to be remade on a regular basis. The service provided tends to focus on physical rehabilitation with the goal of providing amputees with limbs that most closely resemble the appearance and function of the intact limb. This study provides tentative support for development of an intervention that specifically targets catastrophizing.