Zdravniški Vestnik (Mar 2005)
Reliability of two Slovenian version low back related measurement tools
Abstract
Background: One particular criterium for measuring disability of patients with low back pain (LBP) with self-administered questionnaires for clinical decision making is reliability. Reliable measurement tools are needed for evaluating the effectiveness of physiotherapy treatment. Translating the original version of questionnaires may affect their reliability. The objective of this study was to determine the reliability and internal consistency of two low back pain (LBP)-related measurement tools translated into Slovenian language, the Modified Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (MRMQ) and the Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ). The later was as recommended by the literature and divided into two parts. The first included statements about how physical activity may affect patient’s LBP, and the second included statements how regular work may affect it.Methods: Twenty-eight (16 female, 12 male; age 46.3 ± 7.3 years) subjects with LBP referred to physiotherapy were invited to participate in this study. To assess test-retest reliability, the questionnaires were administrated with an interval of 3 to 4 days between test and retest.Results: Test-retest reliability was high and statistical significant (p < 0.01) for the MRMQ, physical activity and work indices of the FABQ (ICC ≥ 0.89; r ≥ 0.90; p ≥ 0.87). Internal consistency, evaluated by Cronbach’s alpha, on test and retest ranged from 0.58 to 0.86 and 0.68 to 0.89, respectively.Conclusions: Reliability of Slovenian version of the MRMQ and the FABQ was good and similar to results of previous studies. Both questionnaire may be suitable for use in Slovenia.
