Construct Validity of the Physical Function Scale of the Swiss Spinal Stenosis Questionnaire for the Measurement of Walking Capacity

Abstract

Results support construct validity of the Physical Function Scale for the measurement of walking in an lumbar spinal stenosis population. However, it cannot be ascertained from the current study that the construct being measured is, indeed, walking capacity. Further research is warranted to investigate criterion validity evidence for the use of the Physical Function Scale in the measurement of walking capacity in lumbar spinal stenosis, by examining the relationships between self-report and observational measures of walking.

Large prospective validation and cultural adaptation of the Polish version of the Swiss Spinal Stenosis Questionnaire for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis

“…Measurement of walking capacity in LSS patients has proved to be an important asset in the assessment of physical function, treatment, diagnosis, and monitoring progression of the disease. As a result, there will be a growing demand for valid and reliable outcome-based measures of walking [8]. The SSSQ has been recognized as a useful tool to measure the specific neuroischemic characteristics and adverse effects on walking capacity associated with degenerative spinal stenosis, and has been used in several recent studies [10,11,[25][26][27].…”

“…However, none of them are spinal-stenosis specific. In addition, none of them can sufficiently assess symptoms other than pain, thus significantly limiting the possibility of a comprehensive assessment of LSS symptoms severity [8].…”

“…In recent years, the Swiss Spinal Stenosis Questionnaire (SSSQ) -also referred to as the "Swiss Spinal Stenosis measure," the "Zurich Claudication Questionnaire," and the "Brigham Spinal Stenosis Questionnaire" -has become a popular tool to measure adverse effects on walking capacity and the specific neuroischemic characteristics associated with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis [7,8]. The SSSQ has been compared to three other similar outcome-measures: the "Shuttle walking test," the "Oxford Spinal Stenosis Score," and the "Oswestry Disability Index," in which the SSSQ was considered the most reproducible and spinal stenosis specific.…”

Clinical Outcomes for Neurogenic Claudication Using a Multimodal Program for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Retrospective Study

“…The ODI walk score has been shown to be highly correlated to objective walking distance (r = 0.83). 32 The minimally clinically important difference of the ODI is 8 to 12 percentage points. 33 Leg and Back Pain Intensity While Walking.…”

Evaluation of outcome measures for neurogenic claudication

“…The SSS physical function subscale has demonstrated construct validity when compared with other self-report measures of function in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. 12 One of the questions included "How far can you walk before needing to rest: (1) more than 2 miles; (2) more than 2 blocks, but less than 2 miles; (3) more than 50 ft, but less than 2 blocks; (4) less than 50 ft?" (note that a lower score indicates better walking capacity).…”