Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the Argentine version of the shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI) in patients with shoulder disorders

Abstract

Background

Shoulder disorders are some of the leading causes of musculoskeletal conditions with a significant economic impact worldwide. The Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) questionnaire has proved to be a valid and useful tool for the assessment of disability; however, reporting of properties in several languages has been inconsistent, and the quality of the studies available is low. Moreover, there is only one version in Spanish, designed in Spain, which does not consider the linguistic differences existing in Argentina. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to conduct the cross-cultural adaptation of the SPADI and assess its reliability, validity, responsiveness, and interpretability in subjects with shoulder disorders.

Materials and methods

The study was conducted following the COSMIN Guidelines (COnsensus-based Standards for the Selection of health Measurement INstruments). We included Argentine residents, older than 18 years of age, referred to physiotherapy for shoulder disorders.

Results

A total of 101 patients were evaluated. Reliability was acceptable with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.89. The standard error of measurement and minimal detectable change were 2.18 and 6.05, respectively. Construct validity was excellent, and responsiveness was high. Also, the minimal clinically important difference was 18.46 points, the substantial clinical benefit was 27.69 points, and the symptom acceptable level value was 21.35 points.

Conclusion

A cross-cultural adaptation of the Argentine version of the SPADI was conducted. This version proved to be valid, reliable, and responsive with interpretability values.