BackgroundThe Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire for Physical Therapists (MSQPT) is a patient-rated outcome questionnaire for evaluating the rehabilitation of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). Responsiveness was evaluated, and minimal important difference (MID) estimates were calculated to provide thresholds for clinical change for four items, three sections and the total score of the MSQPT.MethodsThis multicentre study used a combined distribution- and anchor-based approach with multiple anchors and multiple rating of change questions. Responsiveness was evaluated using effect size, standardized response mean (SRM), modified SRM and relative efficiency. For distribution-based MID estimates, 0.2 and 0.33 standard deviations (SD), standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change were used. Triangulation of anchor- and distribution-based MID estimates provided a range of MID values for each of the four items, the three sections and the total score of the MSQPT. The MID values were tested for their sensitivity and specificity for amelioration and deterioration for each of the four items, the three sections and the total score of the MSQPT. The MID values of each item and section and of the total score with the best sensitivity and specificity were selected as thresholds for clinical change.The outcome measures were the MSQPT, Hamburg Quality of Life Questionnaire for Multiple Sclerosis (HAQUAMS), rating of change questionnaires, Expanded Disability Status Scale, 6-metre timed walking test, Berg Balance Scale and 6-minute walking test.ResultsThe effect size ranged from 0.46 to 1.49. The SRM data showed comparable results. The modified SRM ranged from 0.00 to 0.60. Anchor-based MID estimates were very low and were comparable with SD- and SEM-based estimates. The MSQPT was more responsive than the HAQUAMS in detecting improvement but less responsive in finding deterioration. The best MID estimates of the items, sections and total score, expressed in percentage of their maximum score, were between 5.4% (activity) and 22% (item 10) change for improvement and between 5.7% (total score) and 22% (item 10) change for deterioration.ConclusionsThe MSQPT is a responsive questionnaire with an adequate MID that may be used as threshold for change during rehabilitation of MS patients.Trial registrationThis trial was retrospectively (01/24/2015) registered in ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT02346279.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12883-017-0834-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

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Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the responsiveness and minimal important difference (MID) of the French version of the Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire for Physiotherapists (MSQPT). Method: A distribution-based approach was used. Patients (32) were recruited from inpatient and outpatient settings; they completed both the MSQPT and the Hamburg Quality of Life Questionnaire in Multiple Sclerosis (HAQUAMS) at baseline and again at 6 months or discharge. Responsiveness was evaluated using effect size (ES), standardized response mean (SRM), and modified SRM (MSRM), and the relative efficiency between the MSQPT and HAQUAMS was calculated. Distribution-based MID estimates were calculated for 0.33 SD, standard error of measurement, and minimal detectable change. Results: The main ES ranged from 0.41 (low) to 1.23 (high). The SRM (−0.89 to 2.69) was generally higher than the ES. The main MSRMs were acceptably low (−0.03 to 0.19). Although the MSQPT seemed more efficient than the HAQUAMS in detecting improved activity and participation, it was less efficient at identifying their deterioration. In a comparison of responsiveness and MID between the German and French versions of the MSQPT, the differences between estimates were small. Conclusions: The available evidence indicates that the French MSQPT is a responsive questionnaire with MIDs that are similar to those of the original German version.