Reliability and validity of the Greek shoulder pain and disability index in patients with shoulder pain

Abstract

Background: The Shoulder Pain and Disability Index is one of the most common questionnaire to evaluate the impact of shoulder disorders on function. There is no valid and reliable Greek version of the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index available at present for all shoulder disorders. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to test the reliability and validity of the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index in patients with shoulder pain for at least four weeks.

Methods: The validation study was conducted in clinical settings by questionnaires comprising the Greek Shoulder Pain and Disability Index and Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire. 130 (68 women and 62 men) Greek reading patients over 18 years old with shoulder pain for at least four weeks were recruited from physical therapy clinics. Internal consistency of the translated instrument was measured using Cronbach’s α. to establish test-retest reliability, the patients without any change in their condition after 2–3 days from their initial visit were asked to complete the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index for a second time. An intraclass correlation coefficient was used to assess the test-retest reliability of the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index. The Greek version of the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index and Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire was also administered in both visits. Concurrent validity was measured by correlating the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index with the Greek Shoulder Pain and Disability Index and Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scale using Pearson’s correlation coefficient.

Results: The results showed that the Greek Shoulder Pain and Disability Index has good internal consistency (Cronbach α = 0.947), test-retest reliability (ICC =0.926) and concurrent validity (r > 0.7). The standard error of measurement (SEM) and the smallest detectable change (SDC) of the Greek SPADI total score were 4.77 and 13.18.

Conclusions: The Greek version of the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index is a reliable and valid measure when administered to patients aged over 18 years old with shoulder pain for at least four weeks.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• The Greek version of the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index has been found to be reliable and valid when used in patients with shoulder pain for at least four weeks.

• The results of the psychometric characteristics were compatible with those of the original English version.

• The Shoulder Pain and Disability Index could be applied to a Greek-speaking population to assess functional limitations and symptoms in patients over 18 years old with shoulder pain for at least four weeks.

Keywords:

• Rotator cuff injuries
• shoulder instability
• adhesive capsulitis
• shoulder injuries
• cultural adaption
• rotator cuff tendinopathy

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Acknowledgment

The authors would like to thank all the physiotherapists in Xanthi, Greece for the data they collected by giving the translated forms to their patients.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.