A systematic review of cross-cultural adaptation of the neck disability index

Psychometric evaluation of the Japanese neck disability index by exploratory factor analysis in preoperative patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy: impact of pain and numbness

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

The Neck Disability Index (NDI), a common Patient-Reported Outcome Measure (PROM) for neck pain, lacks sufficient study on its psychometric properties in preoperative patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM).

PURPOSE

This study aims to address these gaps by conducting an exploratory factor analysis of the Japanese NDI. The objectives are 2-fold: (1) to scrutinize the psychometric properties and internal consistency of the Japanese NDI, and (2) to explore the specific regions of pain and numbness influencing the NDI.

STUDY DESIGN/SETTING

A single-center observational study.

PATIENT SAMPLE

A total of 100 preoperative patients with CSM.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The NDI and Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) were employed to assess preoperative neck disability and pain and numbness in various body regions.

METHODS

Demographic and clinical characteristics were collected, encompassing age, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, smoking status, comorbidities, pain and numbness at various sites using the NRS, and NDI. For evaluating the psychometric properties and internal consistency of the NDI, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and Cronbach's α coefficient were utilized. Furthermore, the impact of pain and numbness on NDI factors was examined through multivariable regression analysis.

RESULTS

EFA identified 2 factors-Physical and Mental-highlighting the dual nature of neck-related disability. Physical factors (std.β=0.724, p<.001) exerted a stronger impact on NDI scores compared to Mental factors (std.β=0.409, p<.001). Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.831 for physical factors and 0.723 for mental factors, indicating a high level of internal consistency. Numbness in the hand (std.β=0.338, p<.001) and pain in the neck (std.β=0.202, p=.035) were significant variables influencing Physical factor, while numbness in the hand (std.β=0.485, p<.001) and pain in the head (std.β=0.374, p<.001) impacted mental factor.

CONCLUSION

This study contributes valuable insights into the psychometric properties of the NDI in preoperative patients with CSM. The identified factors emphasize the importance of addressing both physical and sensory symptoms in preoperative care.

Are Patient-Reported Outcome Measures for Distal Radius Fractures Validated for Spanish and Culture? A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are used commonly to assess function to direct treatment and evaluate outcomes for patients with distal radius fractures. Most PROMs have been developed and validated in English with minimal report of the demographics of patients studied. The validity of applying these PROMs among Spanish-speaking patients is unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the quality and psychometric properties of Spanish-language adaptations of PROMs for distal radius fractures.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review to identify published studies of adaptations of Spanish-language PROMs evaluating patients with distal radius fractures. We evaluated the methodologic quality of the adaptation and validation using Guidelines for the Process of Cross-Cultural Adaptation of Self-Report Measures, Quality Criteria for Psychometric Properties of Health Status Questionnaire, and the Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments Checklist for Cross-Cultural Validity. The level of evidence was evaluated based upon prior methodology.

RESULTS

Five instruments reported in eight studies were included: the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE), Disability of Arm Shoulder and Hand, Upper Limb Functional Index, Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale, and Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment. The PRWE was the most frequently included PROM. No study followed all six processes for adaptation or assessed all measurement properties. No study demonstrated the completion of more than eight of the 14 aspects of cross-cultural validity. The PRWE had moderate evidence to support half of the domains of measurement properties evaluating the level of evidence.

CONCLUSIONS

None of the five instruments identified received a good rating on all three checklists. Only the PWRE demonstrated moderate evidence on half of the measurement domains.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Given the lack of strong evidence to support the quality of these instruments, we recommend adaptation and testing of PROMs for this population before use. Currently, PROMs in Spanish-speaking patients should be used with caution so as not to perpetuate health care disparities.

Patient-reported outcome measures used for shoulder disorders: An overview of systematic reviews

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to synthesize the psychometric evidence on different patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) for shoulder disorders.

METHODS

This overview conducted a search of six databases. Included systematic reviews must address at least one psychometric property from a PROM for shoulder disorders. Risk of bias was assessed by A MeaSurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR).

RESULTS

Thirteen systematic reviews were identified that assessed measurement properties of 15 different PROMs. Based on AMSTAR, 1 review had a high risk of bias and 7 reviews had a moderate risk of bias. Excellent test-reliability scores of intraclass correlation coefficients (0.85-0.99) were reported by the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand, Shoulder Pain and Dsiability Index, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon score and Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index. Construct validity was supported (r = 0.5-0.8) for the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand, Shoulder Pain and Dsiability Index, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon score and Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index. Limited evidence of responsiveness was reported across various PROMs.

CONCLUSION

Strong reliability and convergent validity properties have been reported across multiple reviews for the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand, Shoulder Pain and Dsiability Index, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon score, Simple Shoulder Test and Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index, which could be considered for a core clinical outcome set.

Effects of Repeated Injection of 1% Lidocaine vs. Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Treating Myofascial Trigger Points: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background and Objectives: This study tested the hypothesis that treatment of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in the upper trapezius muscle (UTM) with repeated injection of 1% lidocaine results in better alleviation of muscular stiffness and soreness as well as improved metabolism in the hypercontracted MTrP area than treatment with radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT). Materials and Methods: A single-blinded, prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted on patients suffering from MTrPs in the UTM. Thirty patients were treated with repeated injection of 2 mL of 1% lidocaine (three injections; one injection per week). Another 30 patients were treated with rESWT (three treatment sessions; one treatment session per week; 2000 radial extracorporeal shock waves per treatment session; positive energy flux density = 0.10 mJ/mm2). The primary outcome measure was pain severity using the VAS score. The secondary outcome measures included muscle elasticity index, pressure pain threshold and neck disability index. Evaluation was performed at baseline (T1), 15−30 min after the first treatment in order to register immediate treatment effects (T2), before the second treatment (i.e., one week after baseline) (T3) and one week after the third treatment (i.e., four weeks after baseline) (T4). Results: There were no statistically significant differences in the primary and secondary outcome measures between the patients in the lidocaine arm and the patients in the rESWT arm at T1 and T4. Within the arms, the mean differences of all outcomes were statistically significant (p < 0.001) when comparing the data obtained at T1 with the data obtained at T3 and the data obtained at T4. Conclusions: The results of this pilot study suggest that the use of rESWT in patients with MTrPs in the UTM is safe and leads to reduced pain and improved muscle elasticity, pressure pain threshold and neck disability index, without adverse effects. Larger trials are necessary to verify this. Clinicians should consider rESWT instead of injections of lidocaine in the treatment of MTrPs in the UTM.

The Short-Form Neck Disability index has adequate measurement properties in chronic neck pain patients

Objectives

To assess test–retest reliability, internal consistency, construct validity, and the presence of ceiling and floor effects in the Brazilian version of the Short-Form Neck Disability Index (SF-NDI) in patients with chronic neck pain.

Methods

One hundred and fifty-six patients answered the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Short-Form Neck Disability Index (SF-NDI), Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TKS), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), and the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF-36). Another sample (n = 51) filled the SF-NDI at two different times, and test–retest reliability was measured using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimum detectable change (MDC). The internal consistency of the SF-NDI was analyzed by Cronbach's alpha. To determine construct validity, Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to determine the magnitude of the correlation between the score of the SF-NDI and other measurement instruments: NPRS, TKS, PCS, SF-36, and original NDI.

Results

SF-NDI presented substantial reliability (ICC = 0.844) and adequate internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.778). We observed significant values and with a correlation magnitude greater than 0.80 for the SF-NDI with the original NDI, between 0.30 and 0.50 for the correlations with TKS, and the functional capacity and pain domains of the SF-36, and less than 0.30 with the other study instruments. No participant reached the maximum score. Ceiling and floor effects were not observed.

Conclusions

SF-NDI with 5 items has adequate measurement properties in Brazilian chronic neck pain patients.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00586-021-07019-4.

Systematic review of the quality of the cross-cultural adaptations of Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH)

BACKGROUND

The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Outcome Measure is a widely used patient reported outcome measure.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to evaluate the quality of translation procedures and assessment of the psychometric properties of cross-cultural adaptations of the DASH.

METHODS

We reviewed the literature to identify all published studies of cultural adaptations of the DASH questionnaire. For the quality assessment, we used Guidelines for the Process of Cross-Cultural Adaptation of Self-Report Measures, Quality Criteria for Psychometric Properties of Health Status Questionnaire and COSMIN Checklist for Cross-Cultural Validity.

RESULTS

We included 25 articles with 26 versions of the DASH. Only the Puerto Rican version followed all six of the processes of cross-cultural adaptation. None of the versions assessed all eight measurement properties for Quality Criteria for Psychometric Properties of Health Status Questionnaire and none of them had a positive rating from agreement, internal consistency, responsiveness and interpretability. All the studies got a poor rating according to the COSMIN checklist.

DISCUSSION

None of the versions got a good rating from all three checklists. We observed that supplementary tests for the adaptations are necessary, especially for assessing agreement, responsiveness and interpretability. We concluded that all versions need more research on psychometric properties.

Transcultural adaptation of the neck disability index to mexican spanish and assessment of its psychometric properties

PURPOSE

To transculturally adapt the Neck Disability Index to Mexican Spanish (NDI-Mx) and to evaluate its psychometric properties.

METHODS

Translation and transcultural adaptation of the NDI were conducted according to published guidelines. The test-retest reliability of the NDI-Mx was assessed with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC_3,1), the student t-test, standard error of measurement, minimal detectable change and Bland-Altman plot. Cronbach's α coefficient was used to evaluate internal consistency. Floor and ceiling effects were also evaluated. Convergent validity was assessed by comparison of the NDI-Mx with the Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire (NPQ) through the Spearman correlation coefficient. Finally, a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted.

RESULTS

The sample was composed of 113 subjects (38 men and 75 women) with a mean age of 30 (SD, 12.19) years. All items of the NDI-Mx showed good test-retest reliability (ICC_3,1 = 0.86) and good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.85). Floor and ceiling effects were not observed. There was good convergent validity with a high correlation between NDI-Mx and NPQ (ρ = 0.83). The CFA revealed that a one-factor solution fitted adequately the data (χ²(32) = 41.18, p = .13).

CONCLUSION

The NDI-Mx seems to be a valid and reliable tool that can be used in clinical practice and research on Mexican populations with neck pain.

Reliability and Validity of Cross Culturally Adapted Punjabi Version of NDI (NDI-P) in Patients with Neck Pain: A Psychometric Analysis

BACKGROUND

Neck disability index (NDI) is one of the commonest patient-reported outcome measures used to evaluate disability related to neck pain. Its application to non-English-speaking Punjabi population is limited as a validated and cross-culturally adapted Punjabi version of NDI is not available. The purpose of the study was to analyze the psychometric properties of Punjabi version of neck disability index (NDI-P) in patients with neck pain.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The translation and cross-cultural adaptation of Punjabi version of NDI was done according to well-recommended guidelines. The pre-final version was tested on a set of 15 patients and suitable modifications were made. The final version was administered to 100 patients with neck pain of more than 2 weeks duration. Psychometric properties comprising internal consistency, test-re-test reliability, construct validity and factorial structure of the questionnaire were determined.

RESULTS

The developed NDI-P showed excellent internal consistency (Chronbach alpha of NDI-P is 0.87), test-re-test reliability (ICC 0.840) and construct validity (Spearman correlation coefficient with VAS 0.547). Factor analysis proved the questionnaire to be having a 2-factor structure with a total variance of 56.58%.

CONCLUSION

NDI (P) is a reliable and valid instrument for measurement of disability related to neck pain in Punjabi population. It can be used both in research and clinical care settings in future.

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric evaluation of the Thai version of the fear-avoidance beliefs questionnaire in patients with non-specific neck pain

OBJECTIVES

Fear-avoidance beliefs questionnaire (FABQ) is a self-report, valid and reliable questionnaire to quantify fear and avoidance beliefs related to physical activity and work. Furthermore, it can be used to predict prolong disability in patients with non-specific neck pain. Although it was originally developed to manage patients with low back pain, it has also been studied in individuals with neck pain. This questionnaire was translated into several languages following reports of potential benefits in patients with neck pain. Recently, Thai neck clinical trials, international multi-centre trials and data sharing are growing throughout the world but no validated Thai version of the FABQ is available for clinical and research uses. Our objectives were to translate and cross-culturally adapt the FABQ into Thai version and evaluate its psychometric properties in Thai patients with non-specific neck pain.

METHODS

Cross-cultural translation and adaptation of the FABQ were conducted according to standard guidelines. A total of 129 participants with non-specific neck pain were invited to complete the Thai versions of the FABQ (FABQ-TH), neck disability index and visual analogue scale for pain intensity. Psychometric evaluation included exploratory factor analysis, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, agreement, and convergent validity. Thirty participants completed the FABQ-TH twice with a 48-h interval between tests to assess the test-retest reliability.

RESULTS

Factor analysis identified four components for the FABQ-TH (66.69% of the total variance). The intraclass correlation coefficient of test-retest reliability was excellent for the total score (0.986), work attitudes (0.995), physical activity attitudes (0.958), physical activity experiences (0.927), and expected recovery (0.984). Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency was excellent (range 0.87-0.88) for all items. The minimal detectable change of the FABQ-TH was 5.85. The FABQ-TH correlated to its subscales (range 0.470-0.936), indicating the strongest association with work attitude. The weakest correlation was observed between the FABQ-TH and disability (r _s =0.206, p=0.01). Missing data and significant floor or ceiling effects were not found.

CONCLUSIONS

The Thai version of the FABQ for non-specific neck pain was successfully adapted. It is a valid and reliable instrument to quantify fear and avoidance beliefs among patients with non-specific neck pain who speak and read Thai.

The Bournemouth Questionnaire for Neck Pain: Cross-cultural Adaptation, Reliability, and Validity of the Turkish Version

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was first to translate and culturally adapt the BQN, and then to investigate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the BQN in Turkish individuals with chronic neck pain.

METHODS

The English version of the BQN was translated into Turkish with permission from its authors. That translation was assessed using 85 participants with a mean age of 46.75 years who had chronic neck pain. At the same time, the participants were assessed sociodemographically and with the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and the Neck Pain and Disability Scale (NPAD). A test-retest procedure was performed with 62 participants who underwent a second assessment with the BQN within 24 hours of the first assessment, to test its reliability.

RESULTS

Internal consistency was strong and all Cronbach alpha values were between 0.97 and 0.99. The BQN showed high test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient ˃ 0.92) for all domains. The total mean (± standard deviation) scores for the 3 questionnaires were as follows: BQN, 30.9 (± 11.18); NPAD, 48.16 (± 12.93); NDI, 17.85 (± 6.29). The results of the Turkish version of the BQN illustrated adequate external construct validity and sensitivity. A Turkish translation of the test has not previously been available for chronic pain.

CONCLUSION

The BQN was successfully translated and culturally adapted into Turkish. The reliability and validity were tested against the NPAD and the NDI. The Turkish version of the BQN is multidimensional, short, practical, and suitable for use with individuals with neck pain.

Relationship between specific temporomandibular disorders and impaired upper neck performance

Upper neck impairments are more prevalent in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) but the differences between specific types of TMDs are unclear. This study evaluated the distribution of such impairments among different forms of TMD. In total, 116 participants (86 women and 30 men, age range 21-75 yr) were investigated. Forty-two individuals had no TMDs and were assigned to the control group. The remaining 74 patients were assigned to one of three groups based on the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) findings: pain-related (n = 37); intra-articular (n = 17); or mixed (combined pain-related and intra-articular) (n = 20). Analyses of impairments included between-group comparisons of key parameters of upper neck performance (active/passive mobility and muscular capabilities) and pain (subjective neck disability and pain sensitivity). Patients in the pain-related and mixed TMD groups were found to have decreased upper neck mobility in the cervical flexion-rotation test compared with patients in intra-articular and control groups, as well as poorer capabilities of the deep neck flexor muscles in the cranio-cervical flexion test compared to the control group. It was concluded that patients with pain-related TMD diagnoses are more likely to experience significant upper-neck hypomobility and poor muscular capabilities than patients with intra-articular diagnoses of TMD.

Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Used for Neck Disorders: An Overview of Systematic Reviews

BACKGROUND

The evaluation of patient-reported outcome measures for the neck from multiple systematic reviews will provide a broader view of, and may identify potential conflicting or consistent results for, their psychometric properties.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to conduct an overview of systematic reviews and synthesize evidence to establish the current state of knowledge on psychometric properties of patient-reported outcome measures for patients with neck disorders.

METHODS

In this overview of systematic reviews, an electronic search of 6 databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, ILC, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and LILACS) was conducted to identify reviews that addressed at least one measurement property of outcome measures for people with neck pain. Only systematic reviews with patient-reported outcome measures were included in the analysis. Risk of bias was assessed with A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews (AMSTAR). Data on measurement properties were extracted from each systematic review.

RESULTS

From 13 systematic reviews, 8 patient-reported outcome measures were evaluated in 2 or more reviews. Risk-of-bias scores ranged from moderate (5-7) to high (4 and lower). Findings on internal consistency, test-retest reliability, construct validity, responsiveness to change, and content and structural validity were synthesized for the Neck Disability Index (NDI) in 11 systematic reviews; the Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire and Neck Pain and Disability scale (NPDS) in 6 systematic reviews; the Copenhagen Neck Functional Disability Scale in 5 systematic reviews; the Neck Bournemouth Questionnaire in 4 systematic reviews; the Core Neck Pain Questionnaire and Patient-Specific Functional Scale in 3 systematic reviews, and the Whiplash Disability Questionnaire in 2 systematic reviews.

CONCLUSION

High-quality evidence was found of good to excellent internal consistency and moderate to excellent test-retest reliability for the NDI. Moderate-quality evidence was found of good to excellent internal consistency and good test-retest reliability for the Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire. High-quality evidence was found of excellent test-retest reliability and good to strong construct validity with pain scales for the Copenhagen Neck Functional Disability Scale. Moderate-quality evidence was found of unclear to excellent internal consistency and moderate to strong concurrent associations with the NDI and global assessment of change for the Neck Pain and Disability scale. Moderate-quality evidence was found of excellent internal consistency for the Whiplash Disability Questionnaire and of high test-retest reliability for the Patient-Specific Functional Scale. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2018;48(10):775-788. Epub 22 Jun 2018. doi:10.2519/jospt.2018.8131.

Efficacy of Multiwave Locked System Laser on Pain and Function in Patients with Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Multiwave locked system (MLS) laser therapy utilizes the synchronized emission of an 808 nm continuous laser and a 905 nm pulsed laser. It is postulated that MLS enables greater penetration and therapeutic benefit than single-wavelength low-level laser therapy (LLLT).

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this research was to evaluate the efficacies of MLS laser therapy and the 830 nm laser in the treatment of patients with chronic neck pain (CNP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy-five patients with CNP (mean age 46.28 ± 5.89, weight 83.78 ± 5.65 kg, height 1.72 ± 4.96 m, and duration of illness of 5.98 ± 1.44 months). They were randomized into three groups. Group I received MLS laser therapy and exercises, Group II received LLLT and exercises, and Group III received placebo laser therapy plus exercises (PL + EX). Neck pain levels and neck function were measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and neck disability index (NDI), respectively.

RESULTS

Both VAS and NDI were significantly reduced post-treatment for all treatment groups. After 6 weeks of treatment, MLS plus exercise showed a significantly greater decrease in pain and disability scores {Δ VAS (6.68) and Δ NDI (39.84)} compared to both LLLT plus exercise group {Δ VAS (5.72) and Δ NDI (37.88)} and PL + EX {Δ VAS (4.84) and Δ NDI (36.68)}.

CONCLUSIONS

MLS laser therapy in conjunction with exercises decreased pain and increased functional activity following 6 months of therapy. MLS laser therapy in combination with exercises is a more effective therapy for CNP compared to exercise plus LLLT or exercise alone.

Effectiveness of percutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation for neck pain relief in patients with cervical spondylosis

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of percutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation (PNMES) for treating neck pain in patients with cervical spondylosis (CS).

METHODS

One hundred and twenty four patients with neck pain of CS were included, and then they were randomly divided into a PNMES group and a control group in a ratio of 1:1. All patients received PNMES or sham PNMES 30 minutes daily, 3 times weekly for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was assessed by the visual analog scale (VAS). The secondary outcomes were evaluated by the cervical range of motion (ROM), neck disability index (NDI) score, as well as the adverse events (AEs). All outcome measurements were measured at the end of 12-week treatment, and 4-week follow-up after treatment.

RESULTS

At the end of the 12-week treatment, and 4-week follow-up, the patients receiving PNMES exhibited more decrease in the mean VAS (P < .01), and NDI (P < .01) respectively, compared with the patients receiving sham PNMES. Additionally, the increase in the mean ROM was also significantly higher in the PNMES group than that in the sham PNMES group at the end of the 12-week treatment, and 4-week follow-up, respectively (P < .01). No AEs were found in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study demonstrated that PNMES is more effective than Sham PNMES for neck pain relief in patients with CS.

Development and Validation of Taiwanese Version of the Neck Disability Index

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-cultural adaptation and cross-sectional psychometric testing in a convenience sample of patients with neck pain.

OBJECTIVE

To translate and cross-culturally adapt the Neck Disability Index (NDI) into a Taiwanese version and to assess the psychometric properties.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

The Taiwanese NDI has not been developed or validated.

METHODS

The NDI was first translated and culturally adapted to the Taiwanese version. The test-retest reliability within 1 week was examined (n = 32). The factor structure was assessed by confirmatory factor analysis (n = 137). The construct validity was assessed by examining the relationship between the NDI and other well-known measures (n = 137).

RESULTS

The Taiwanese version was successfully translated and cross-culturally adapted. The internal consistency was excellent, with Cronbach α = 0.89. High test-retest reliability was demonstrated with intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.87. The minimal detectable change was 8.74. The two-factor model (pain and function factors) was better than the one-factor model, with higher factor loadings and better goodness-of-fit statistics. The convergent validity was supported by moderate correlation of the pain factor with the Visual Analogue Scale (|rho| = 0.45), and high correlation of the function factor with the physical component summary of the Short-From 36 (SF-36) (|rho| = 0.60).

CONCLUSION

The Taiwanese NDI is a reliable and valid disease-specific measure for assessment of pain and functional status in patients with neck pain.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Cross-cultural adaptation, validity, and reliability of the Persian version of the spine functional index

BACKGROUND

There are various instruments and methods to evaluate spinal health and functional status. Whole-spine patient reported outcome (PRO) measures, such as the Spine Functional Index (SFI), assess the spine from the cervical to lumbo-sacral sections as a single kinetic chain. The aim of this study was to cross-culturally adapt the SFI for Persian speaking patients (SFI-Pr) and determine the psychometric properties of reliability and validity (convergent and construct) in a Persian patient population.

METHODS

The SFI (English) PRO was translated into Persian according to published guidelines. Consecutive symptomatic spine patients (104 female and 120 male aged between 18 and 60) were recruited from three Iranian physiotherapy centers. Test-retest reliability was performed in a sub-sample (n = 31) at baseline and repeated between days 3-7. Convergent validity was determined by calculating the Pearson's r correlation coefficient between the SFI-Pr and the Persian Roland Morris Questionnaire (RMQ) for back pain patients and the Neck Disability Index (NDI) for neck patients. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's α. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) used Maximum Likelihood Extraction followed by Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA).

RESULTS

High levels of internal consistency (α = 0.81, item range = 0.78-0.82) and test-retest reliability (r = 0.96, item range = 0.83-0.98) were obtained. Convergent validity was very good between the SFI and RMQ (r = 0.69) and good between the SFI and NDI (r = 0.57). The EFA from the perspective of parsimony suggests a one-factor solution that explained 26.5% of total variance. The CFA was inconclusive of the one factor structure as the sample size was inadequate. There were no floor or ceiling effects.

CONCLUSIONS

The SFI-Pr PRO can be applied as a specific whole-spine status assessment instrument for clinical and research studies in Persian language populations.

Cross-cultural validation of simplified Chinese version of spine functional index

BACKGROUND

No effective constructs were available in mainland China to assess the whole spine function. The SFI was developed to evaluate spinal function based on the concept of a single kinetic chain concept for whole spine. The SFI has been translated to Spanish and Turkish with accepted psychometric properties. It is imperative to introduce the SFI in mainland China and further to explore the measurement properties.

METHODS

The English versions of the SFI was cross-culturally translated according to international guidelines. Measurement properties (content validity, construct validity and reliability) were tested in accordance with the COSMIN checklists. A total of 271 patients were included in this study, and 61 participants with neck pain and 64 participants with back pain paid a second visit three to seven days later. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and principal factor analysis (PCA) were applied to test the factor structure. The Functional Rating Index (FRI), Neck Disability Index (NDI), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), SF-12 and a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were employed to evaluate the construct validity. Cronbach's alpha and an intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) were calculated for internal consistency and reproducibility.

RESULTS

The means score of SC-SFI was 63.60 in patients with spinal musculoskeletal disorders. A high response rate was acquired (265/271). No item was removed due to abnormal distribution or low item-total correlation. Results of CFA did not support that one-factor structure was in goodness of fit (CMIN/DF = 3.306, NNFI = 0.687, CFI = 0.756, GFI = 0.771 and RMSEA = 0.092). Yet, PCA suggested a one-factor structure was the best, accounting for 32% of the total variance. For structural validity, the SC-SFI correlated highly with the FRI, NDI, ODI, and PF, BP in SF-12 (r = 0.661, 0.610, 0.750, 0.709, 0.605, respectively). All the a priori hypotheses were verified. The Cronbach's alpha for the SC-SFI was 0.91, and ICC was 0.96 (95% CI, 0.94-0.98). Bland-Altman plot also confirmed excellent test-retest reliability.

CONCLUSIONS

The SFI has been culturally adapted into SC-SFI with remarkable clinical acceptance, excellent internal consistency, reproducibility, and construct validity when applied to patients with spinal musculoskeletal disorders. The results of current study suggest that SC-SFI can be applied by physicians and researchers to measure whole-spine functional status in mainland China.

Pain drawings predict outcome of surgical treatment for degenerative disc disease in the cervical spine

INTRODUCTION

Pain drawings have been frequently used in the preoperative evaluation of spine patients. For lumbar conditions comprehensive research has established both the reliability and predictive value, but for the cervical spine most of this knowledge is lacking. The aims of this study were to validate pain drawings for the cervical spine, and to investigate the predictive value for treatment outcome of four different evaluation methods.

METHODS

We carried out a post hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial, comparing cervical disc replacement to fusion for radiculopathy related to degenerative disc disease. A pain drawing together with Neck Disability Index (NDI) was completed preoperatively, after 2 and 5 years. The inter- and intraobserver reliability of four evaluation methods was tested using κ statistics, and its predictive value investigated by correlation to change in NDI.

RESULTS

Included were 151 patients, mean age of 47 years, female/male: 78/73. The interobserver reliability was fair for the modified Ransford and Udén methods, good for the Gatchel method, and very good for the modified Ohnmeiss method. Markings in the shoulder and upper arm region on the pain drawing were positive predictors of outcome after 2 years of follow-up, and markings in the upper arm region remained a positive predictor of outcome even after 5 years of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Pain drawings were a reliable tool to interpret patients' pain prior to cervical spine surgery and were also to some extent predictive for treatment outcome.

A Systematic Review of Cross-cultural Adaptation of the Oswestry Disability Index

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review of cross-cultural adaptation of the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI).

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the translation procedures for and measurement properties of cross-cultural adaptations of the ODI.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

The ODI is the most commonly used questionnaire to determine the outcome of low back pain, and has been translated into many other languages, such as Danish, Greek, and Korean, and adapted for use in different countries.

METHODS

PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Medline, and EMBASE were searched from the time they were established to January 2015. Studies related to cross-cultural adaptation of the ODI in a specific language/culture were included. Guidelines for the Process of Cross-Cultural Adaptation of Self-Report Measures and Quality Criteria for Psychometric Properties of Health Status Questionnaire were used for assessment.

RESULTS

This study included 27 versions of ODI adaptations in 24 different languages/cultures. Only the Danish-Danish adaptation employed all six of the cross-cultural adaptation processes. Expert committee review (three of 27), back translation (eight of 27), and pretesting (nine of 27) were conducted in very few studies. The Polish-Polish (two) adaptation reported all (nine of nine) the measurement properties, whereas the Traditional Chinese-Taiwan and Hungarian-Hungarian adaptations reported six of them. Content validity (16/27), construct validity (17/27), and reliability (22/27) were determined in a relatively high number of studies, whereas agreement (three of 27), responsiveness (12/27), floor and ceiling effects (six of 27), and interpretability (one of 27) were only determined in some studies.

CONCLUSION

We recommend the Traditional Chinese-Taiwan, Simplified Chinese-Mandarin Chinese, Danish-Danish, German-Swiss, Hungarian-Hungarian, Italian-Italian, and Polish-Polish (two) versions for application, but Traditional Chinese-Hong Kong, French-Swiss, Japanese-Japanese (two), Polish-Polish (two), Tamil-Indian, and Thai-Thai versions may need more research. Furthermore, supplementary tests for the adaptations are necessary, especially for assessing agreement, responsiveness, and interpretability.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

1.