Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the Nigerian (IGBO) version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (I-DASH)

Introduction

The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire is a self-administered region-specific outcome questionnaire developed to measure upper extremity disability and symptoms. The aim of this study was to translate, culturally adapt and validate the Igbo version of the DASH in order to enhance its use in the Igbo-speaking population.

Method

This cross-sectional survey involved 100 participants (56 males, 44 females) with upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders, in the South-Eastern part of Nigeria. Participants completed both English and Igbo versions of the DASH on two occasions. Internal consistency was evaluated with Cronbach’s alpha. Test–retest reliability was analysed by intraclass coefficient (ICC) and the Bland and Altman method. Construct validity was investigated with the Spearman rank correlation coefficient, and a principal component analysis was performed. Alpha was set at 0.05.

Results

Test–retest reliability was excellent (ICC = 0.99). The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was high (0.979) for the entire items on the scale. There was a significant strong correlation (r = 0.994; p = 0.001) between the scores obtained on the English and Igbo versions of the DASH indicating excellent construct validity. Thirty linear components were identified within the data set. The communalities were above 0.4.

Conclusion

Principal component analysis of the Igbo DASH revealed a two-factor structure, having fulfilled all necessary conditions. The Igbo version of the DASH questionnaire is a valid and reliable outcome measure for individuals with upper extremity musculoskeletal disabilities.

Relationship between isometric endurance of back extensor muscles and selected anthropometric indices among some Nigerian undergraduates

BACKGROUND

Muscular endurance of the back extensors is less frequently assessed than muscular strength, although the endurance capabilities of these muscles may be as important as the strength in the prevention and treatment of low-back pain.

OBJECTIVES

The study aimed to establish reference values, pattern of back extensor endurance and the relationship between isometric endurance of back extensor muscles and selected anthropometric indices, in apparently healthy young Nigerian adults.

METHOD

A total of 300 young adults (150 males and 150 females) aged 17-30 years, participated in this Cross sectional study. The modified Biering-Sorensen test of Static Muscular Endurance (BSME) was used to assess isometric endurance of back extensor muscles. A height meter, bathroom weighing scale and flexible tape were used to collect data for the anthropometric indices-Body Mass Index (BMI), Height (H), Weight (W), Waist Circumference (WC), Hip Circumference (HC), Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR), Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR). Data obtained was Summarised using descriptive statistics of frequency, percentages, percentile, range, mean and standard deviation, and while the Pearson Product Moment Correlation was used to ascertain relationship. Alpha level was set at 0.05.

RESULTS

Mean Endurance Time (ET) for all the participants was 97.56 ± 43.96 secs. ET was inversely related to anthropometric indices- BMI, Height, Weight, WC,HC, WHR, WHtR. Males had higher maximum ET than females (288 secs and 254 secs). Gender differences was found in the anthropometric indices- BMI, WHR, WC, Weight and Height. Majority of the participants had medium endurance performance with the back endurance pattern in the ratio 1:2:1.

CONCLUSION

The mean isometric back extensor endurance of apparently healthy young Nigerian adults was found to be lower than normal Biering-Sorensen holding times.