Validity, factor structure, and clinical relevance of the AUSCAN osteoarthritis hand index

Abstract

Objective. The Australian/Canadian (AUSCAN) Osteoarthritis Hand Index is a self-report assessment of pain, stiffness, and function in patients with hand osteoarthritis (OA). Small studies have confirmed the reliability, construct validity, and responsiveness of this measure, but the factor structure has not been examined. In this study, we examined the clinimetric properties and clinical relevance of the AUSCAN index in a large sample of patients with familial hand OA.Methods. The study group comprised 700 patients (80% female, mean age 69 years) who were part of a study on the genetics of generalized OA. All patients had radiographic hand OA bilaterally. The analyses examined internal consistency, factor structure, and relationships of the subscales to grip and pinch strength and a single-item pain measure.Results. Internal consistency was high for the total AUSCAN index and the subscales (Cronbach's ␣ ‫؍‬ 0.93-0.96). The AUSCAN function subscale had the strongest correlation with grip and pinch strength, and the pain subscale had the strongest correlation with the single-item pain measure, thus supporting the construct validity of these subscales. Factor analysis showed that all pain and function items clearly loaded on the subscale they were intended to measure. Each 1-unit increase in the AUSCAN function subscale was associated with a clinically relevant decrease in hand strength.Conclusion. The results of this study strongly confirm the clinimetric properties of the AUSCAN index, including the validity of specific subscales. Results indicate that the AUSCAN index can measure meaningful changes in pain, stiffness, and function.

Hypoalgesic and Motor Effects of Kaltenborn Mobilization on Elderly Patients with Secondary Thumb Carpometacarpal Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…The reliability of these measurements and instruments has been shown by the Australian/ Canadian Osteoarthritis Hand Index (AUSCAN). 32,33 Intervention. The treatment was delivered in 6 sessions that were distributed over 2 weeks.…”

Short-Term Effects of Neurodynamic Mobilization in 15 Patients With Secondary Thumb Carpometacarpal Osteoarthritis

“…The reliability of these measurements and instruments has been shown in some items of the subscale of the Australian/Canadian Osteoarthritis Hand Index. 31,32 Study Protocol Treatment took place in 4 sessions over 2 weeks and was applied to the dominant hand 3 times during a 4-minute period with 1-minute pauses between periods. The variables were taken in the following order: first PPT, pinch strength, and grip strength.…”

Effect of Thumb Joint Mobilization on Pressure Pain Threshold in Elderly Patients with Thumb Carpometacarpal Osteoarthritis

“…The reliability of these measurements and instruments has been shown by the Australian/-Canadian Osteoarthritis Hand Index. 41,42 We 17-19 and others 28,29,34,37 have used this method in the past to measure the pinch and grip strength in patients with TCOA finding positive results.…”