Cross-cultural adaptation of the expanded protocol of orofacial myofunctional evaluation with scores protocol for Spanish-speaking populations

Abstract

Introduction

Orofacial myofunctional disorders are common, especially among individuals with sleep-disordered breathing, particularly those with obstructive sleep apnea. Reliable assessment tools are essential to identify and characterize these dysfunctions across different populations. However, the Expanded Protocol of Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation with Scores (OMES-E), widely used in research and clinical settings, has not yet been available in Spanish.

Thus, this study aims to translate and culturally adapt the Expanded Protocol of Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation with Scores (OMES-E) for use in Spanish-speaking populations.

Methods

The cross-cultural adaptation process followed the fourth stages of the methodology proposed by Beaton et al. (2000), including independent forward translations, synthesis, back-translation, expert committee review, and final approval. The expert panel included clinicians and researchers from various Spanish-speaking countries.

Results

Discrepancies in terminology and interpretation were resolved through consensus. Back-translations confirmed semantic consistency with the original. The expert review panel rated the Spanish version highly for clarity, cultural appropriateness, and conceptual equivalence. The final version preserved the structure and intent of the original protocol.

Conclusion

This study provides the first cross-culturally adapted Spanish version of the OMES-E protocol, preserving the conceptual integrity and operational structure of the original instrument. While this version is ready for initial clinical and research use, future studies are required to establish its psychometric properties in Spanish-speaking populations.