The Upper Extremity Functional Index: Reliability and Validity in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

The aim of the current study was to examine the psychometric properties of the upper extremity functional index (UEFI) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Seventy patients with stable COPD completed the UEFI and St. George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and performed lung function tests in the first testing session. They completed the UEFI and the Global Rating of Change Scale in the second session, which was within ten days of the first session. The UEFI floor and ceiling effects, internal consistency, test–retest reliability, measurement error, and construct validity were examined. The UEFI was found to have no floor and ceiling effects. The UEFI was also found to have an excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.955) and an excellent test–retest reliability (ICC2,1 = 0.91). Totals of 4.85 points and 11.32 points represent the scale’s standard error of measurement, and a minimal detectable change at 90% confidence was used. The UEFI scores showed a significant correlation with the SGRQ activity domain (r = −0.66, p < 0.001) and differed significantly between participants with severe disease and those with mild disease (p = 0.03). The UEFI had no floor or ceiling issues, an excellent internal consistency, a good test–retest reliability, and an acceptable measurement error. The UEFI also demonstrated evidence supporting its construct validity as a measure of upper extremity-related activity limitations in patients with COPD

Responsiveness of the Arabic Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand in Patients with Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders

This study aimed to examine the responsiveness of the Arabic Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand short version (Quick-DASH) in patients with upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders. Participants with upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (N = 88) under physical therapy care were assessed at initial visit and later at a follow-up visit, and they completed the Arabic Quick-DASH, DASH, Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Global Assessment of Function (GAF), and the Global Rating of Change Scale (GRC). Responsiveness of the Arabic Quick-DASH was assessed by examining six pre-defined hypotheses. Consistent with the pre-defined hypotheses, the Arabic Quick-DASH changes scores exhibited significant positive correlation with the change in DASH (r = 0.98), GAF (r = 0.67), NPRS (r = 0.72), and the GRC (r = 0.78). As hypothesized, the Arabic Quick-DASH showed a large effect size above the pre-determined level (ES = 1.61, SRM = 1.49) in patients who reported improved upper extremity function. The Arabic Quick-DASH change score discriminated between patients who reported improvement versus no improvement in upper extremity function (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.90). The results supported 100% (six out of six) of the pre-defined hypotheses. The Arabic Quick-DASH demonstrated sufficient responsiveness where all the pre-defined hypotheses were supported, leading to the established validity of the Arabic Quick-DASH change score as a measure of change in upper extremity function and symptoms. The minimal importance change in the Arabic Quick-DASH needs to be determined in future studies

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Back Beliefs Questionnaire to the Arabic language

Study Design. Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and psychometric testing. Objective. To translate the Back Beliefs Questionnaire (BBQ) into Arabic and investigate its psychometric properties in an Arabic-speaking sample of individuals with low back pain (LBP). Summary of Background Data. Back pain beliefs are associated with pain chronicity and disability in people with LBP. The BBQ is a recognized and frequently used tool for measuring these beliefs. To date the BBQ has not been translated into Arabic. Methods. The English version of the BBQ was translated and culturally adapted into Arabic (BBQ-Ar) according to published guidelines. The BBQ-Ar was then tested in a sample of 115 Arabic-speaking individuals with LBP. Reliability was evaluated through internal consistency (Cronbach α) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient), the latter in a subgroup of 25. Construct validity was assessed using exploratory factor analysis and by examining the correlation between the BBQ-Ar, the Oswestry Disability Index and a Numerical Pain Rating Scale. Results. Internal consistency of the BBQ-Ar was good (Cronbach α = 0.77). Test-retest reliability was good (intraclass correlation coefficient [2,1] = 0.88). Exploratory factor analysis revealed a three-factor structure, explaining 46% of total variance, with the first factor alone explaining 24%. Eight of the nine scoring items were loaded on the first factor thus forming a unidimensional scale. A significant negative correlation was found between Oswestry Disability Index and BBQ-Ar scores (r = -0.307; P < 0.01), whereas no significant correlation was found between BBQ-Ar and Pain Rating Scale scores. No floor or celling effects were observed. Conclusion. The BBQ-Ar is a valid and reliable tool that can be used to assess back pain beliefs in Arabic-speaking individuals.6 page(s

Reliability and Validity of Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire in Arabic Patients with Chronic Heart Failure

Background: The Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) is the most specific and widely used questionnaire for assessing health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in chronic heart failure (CHF). This study aimed to examine reliability and validity of the KCCQ in Arabic patients with CHF. Material and Methods: Patients with CHF filled out the Arabic versions of the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure (MLHF) and KCCQ questionnaire, and performed a six-minute walk test (6MWT) on their first visit. On the return, the patients filled out the KCCQ along with the global rating of change (GRC) scale. Internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and construct validity were examined. Results: A total of 101 Arabic patients with CHF, with a mean (SD) age of 55 (11) years old, completed the study. The Cronbach’s alpha was 0.97, and the ICC2,1 = 0.95 (95%CI: 0.92 to 0.97, p p = 0.01) and with the 6MWT (r = 0.70, p Conclusions: The Arabic version of KCCQ is a reliable and valid measure of HRQoL, which could be utilized in routine clinical practice for Arabic-speaking patients with CHF

Influence of different jaw positions on dynamic balance using Y-balance test

Background: Jaw sensory‐motor system has been shown to affect static balance of the body. It would be interesting to know whether it can influence dynamic balance as well. The objective of this study is to examine the influence of different jaw positions on dynamic balance using the Y‐balance test. Methods: Eighty healthy male participants aged 20–35 years were invited to participate in this study. Dynamic balance was measured by the Y‐balance test in three directions (anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral) for each leg separately in three jaw positions: resting jaw (control), open‐jaw, and clenched jaw. Results: There were no significant differences in reach distances between the different jaw positions except in the posterolateral direction. In comparison with resting jaw position, reach distance was significantly higher in open‐jaw position for the right leg and in clenched and open‐jaw positions for the left leg in the posterolateral direction. Conclusions: Although various studies have shown direct or indirect influence of jaw sensory‐motor system on static postural control, results of this study point to limited relation with dynamic postural control among healthy subjects. However, it supports the potential of the jaw sensory‐motor system to affect motor control during functional tasks in patients with postural instability or similar disorders