Dutch translation and validation of the Visual Vertigo Analogue Scale (VVAS).

Background: Visual vertigo (VV) is dizziness triggered by visually complex environments and is common in vestibular disorders such as Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD). The Visual Vertigo Analogue Scale (VVAS) is a validated tool for assessing VV severity, but no Dutch version is currently available.

Objective: This study involved translating the original English version of the VVAS into Dutch, followed by adaptation and validation to ensure reliability and consistency with the source version.

Methods: The VVAS was translated using forward-backward translation. The final version was tested in 104 participants (PPPD patients and healthy controls). Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), test-retest reliability (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient), and construct validity (factor analysis and regression modeling) were assessed.

Results: The Dutch VVAS showed high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.93), comparable to the original version. Test-retest reliability was adequate (ICC = 0.67). VVAS scores were significantly higher in PPPD patients compared to healthy controls (p < 0.001), controlling for age and gender.

Conclusion: The Dutch VVAS is a reliable and valid tool for assessing VV in Dutch-speaking populations, making it suitable for clinical and research applications.