Content and psychometric evaluations of questionnaires for assessing physical function in people with low back disorders. A systematic review of the literature

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose was to investigate how physical function is assessed in people with musculoskeletal disorders in the low back. Specifically: Which questionnaires are used to assess physical function in people with musculoskeletal disorders in the low back? What aspects of physical function do those questionnaires measure? What are the measurement properties of the questionnaires? Materials and methods: A systematic review was performed to identify questionnaires and psychometric evaluations of them. The content of the questionnaires was categorised according to the International Classification of Function, Disability and Health, and the psychometric evaluations were categorised using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) checklist. Results: The questionnaires measured disability or ability to cope in everyday life, rather than physical function as such. Different aspects of a person's mobility and ability to attend to one's personal care were most often included regarding activity and participation. For body functions, items about sleep and pain were most often included. The Oswestry Disability Index and the Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale showed adequate psychometric properties in most evaluations. Conclusions: The extent of psychometric evaluations differed substantially, as did the items included. Focus of measurement was predominantly on activities in daily life. ä IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Valid and reliable instruments that measure relevant aspects of low back disorders are needed to provide early diagnostics and effective treatment. Most questionnaires need more psychometric evaluations to establish the quality. The Oswestry Disability Index and the Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale showed adequate psychometric properties in most evaluations. The results may be useful when making decisions about which measurement instruments to use when evaluating low back disorders.

What are important consequences in children with non-specific spinal pain? A qualitative study of Danish children aged 9–12 years

“…39 ICF categories for each questionnaire were derived from published literature. [39][40][41][42] Patient and public involvement The public was not involved in the design, conduct, reporting, or dissemination of this study.…”

Physical functioning outcome measures in the lumbar spinal surgery population and measurement properties of the physical outcome measures: protocol for a systematic review

“… 21 However, given the multidimensional nature of physical functioning, content validity of the ODI and other physical functioning PROMs is lacking in the lumbar spinal pain population. 17 22 This is also suggested in the lumbar spinal surgery population as PROMs do not provide a comprehensive evaluation of physical functioning. 5 6 23 Further, a range of contextual factors can influence a patient’s perspective of their physical functioning, such as pain and psychological functioning, 10 24 25 limiting the responsiveness and interpretability of PROMs.…”

“…In the lumbar spinal surgery population, PROMs are the most common method to evaluate physical functioning 16. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) questionnaire is used most frequently,16 17 with disability referring to impairments in body structure and function, limitations in physical activities and restrictions in participation 11. The ODI is a well-established legacy PROM as it has been used for over four decades with translations into almost 80 languages and cultural contexts 18.…”

“…It is the most important measurement property of an outcome measure 21. However, given the multidimensional nature of physical functioning, content validity of the ODI and other physical functioning PROMs is lacking in the lumbar spinal pain population 17 22. This is also suggested in the lumbar spinal surgery population as PROMs do not provide a comprehensive evaluation of physical functioning 5 6 23.…”

Content and psychometric evaluations of questionnaires for assessing physical function in people with arm–shoulder–hand disorders. A systematic review of the literature

“…Regarding PROMs used to evaluate symptoms related to musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), there is a variety of questionnaires available with different content and quality, which makes comparisons between findings difficult or impossible [1]. This study is a part of a research project investigating questionnaires available to measure physical function in people with musculoskeletal disorders [2,3]. In the current study, we focus on questionnaires clinically used to measure physical function related to MSD in arm-shoulder-hand (ASH).…”