Validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the 20-item jaw functional limitation scale.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to translate the 20-item Jaw Functional Limitation Scale (JFLS-20) into Turkish (JFLS-20-TR) and investigate the psychometric properties of the JFLS-20-TR. METHODS: This study included 232 patients with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and 130 individuals without TMD. Structural (with confirmatory factor analysis [CFA]), convergent (with pain intensity, Fonseca Anamnestic Index [FAI], and Oral Health Impact Profile [OHIP-14]), discriminant (with maximum mouth opening [MMO]) and known-group validity were investigated to assess the construct validity. Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,1) for test-retest reliability were calculated. Additionally, content and face validity, smallest detectable change (SDC95), and floor/ceiling effects were evaluated. RESULTS: According to CFA, the model fit indices were acceptable for JFLS-20-TR, confirming structural validity. Strong correlations were found between the global and subdomain scores of the JFLS-20-TR and pain intensity (r ≥ 0.80), FAI (r ≥ 0.83), OHIP-14 (r ≥ 0.76), and MMO (r ≥ -0.79) scores, confirmed the convergent and discriminant validity of the JFLS-20-TR. In addition, JFLS-20-TR differentiated between patients with TMD and individuals without TMD (p < .05). Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha values: 0.91-0.93) was excellent, and test-retest reliability (ICC2,1 values: 0.91-0.95) was high. Content and face validity were satisfactory. The SDC95 values ranged from 0.79 to 1.43. No floor or ceiling effects were observed. CONCLUSION: The JFLS-20-TR is a valid, reliable, and useful tool for assessing jaw functional limitations in Turkish-speaking patients with TMD.

Validity and reliability of the Modified Four Square Step Test in individuals with ankle sprain.

BACKGROUND: Postural instability and gait abnormalities are frequently observed after an ankle sprain. A modified Four Square Step Test (mFSST) was developed to assess dynamic balance during gait. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the mFSST in individuals with ankle sprains. METHODS: The study included 39 individuals with grade 1 and 2 ankle sprains with a mean age of 30.36 ± 6.21 years. The dynamic balance of the participants was assessed with the mFSST and Timed Up & Go test (TUG). To determine the test-retest reliability of the mFSST, the test was repeated approximately 1 h apart. RESULTS: The test-retest reliability of the mFSST was excellent (ICC = 0.85). Furthermore, when the concurrent validity of the mFSST was examined, a high correlation was found between with the TUG (r = 0.78, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The mFSST is a valid and reliable clinical assessment method for evaluating dynamic balance during walking in individuals with ankle sprains. We think that the mFSST is preferable in clinical evaluations because its platform is easy to prepare and requires very little equipment.

The Reliability and Validity of the Modified Four Square Step Test in Individuals with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Background: The modified four square step test (mFSST) is frequently used in the evaluation of dynamic balance in individuals with balance problems. However, the reliability of the mFSST has not been examined in individuals undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) surgery. Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the test-retest reliability of the mFSST in individuals undergoing ACLR surgery. Methods: Forty-eight patients who had ACLR surgery were included in this study. Patients performed a total of four mFSSTs, two times each, by two different raters over seven days. Results: In the current study, the mFSST demonstrated excellent test-retest and inter-rater reliability. The intraclass correlation coefficient for mFSST was 0.92. The standard error of measurement and minimal detectable change for mFSST were 0.15 and 0.41, respectively. Conclusion: The mFSST has excellent test-retest and inter-rater reliability in patients with ACLR. It is a valid and reliable tool for evaluating dynamic balance in patients with ACLR. We think that mFSST, which is a clinical evaluation test, can be preferred because it is easy to score and does not require special equipment.

Predictors of the masticatory muscle activity during chewing in patients with myogenous temporomandibular disorder.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to identify predictors of the masticatory muscle activity during chewing (MMA) of the masseter and temporalis anterior (TA) muscles in patients with unilateral myogenous temporomandibular disorder (mTMD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This observational and cross-sectional study included 109 patients diagnosed with unilateral mTMD. Surface electromyography was used to separately evaluate the MMA of the masseter and TA on the affected and unaffected sides. Also, pain intensity (with a visual analog scale), pressure pain threshold (with an algometer), active pain-free maximum mouth opening and temporomandibular joint lateral movements (with a ruler), cervical range of motions (with a goniometer), and TMD severity (with a Fonseca Anamnestic Index) were assessed. Various statistical methods were used to predict the MMA of the masseter and TA, including standard, forward, and best subsets multiple regression models. RESULTS: While there were significant correlations between the MMA of the masseter and TA and pain intensity, pressure pain threshold values, and TMD severity, they were not found with other variables. These parameters were also predictive factors for MMA of both muscles (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: According to the present study, pain intensity, muscle and joint tenderness, and the severity of the disorder are predictive factors for MMA of the masseter and TA muscles in patients with mTMD. It is recommended that these parameters be considered when establishing clinical evaluation and treatment programs focusing on MMA in patients with mTMD. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The pain intensity, masticatory muscles and TMJ tenderness, and disorder severity are predictors for MMA of the masseter and TA in patients with mTMD. Pain intensity has the most significant importance.

Validity and Reliability of the Turkish Version of Mandibular Function Impairment Questionnaire.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Mandibular Function Impairment Questionnaire (MFIQ-TR). METHODS: Included in this study were 248 patients diagnosed with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) according to Diagnostic Criteria for TMD Axis I protocol. Construct-related validity was evaluated through internal and external construct validity; convergent and divergent validities were evaluated by the average variance extracted (AVE), composite reliability (CR), and bivariate correlations between factors. Reliability was assessed by internal consistency and test-retest reliability. RESULTS: All items of the MFIQ-TR had content validity and factor loadings above 0.5. The model statistics indicated a good fit. The convergent validity was very good (AVE > 0.5 and CR > 0.7), and the discriminant validity was satisfied. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the MFIQ-TR were excellent. CONCLUSION: The MFIQ-TR is a valid and reliable instrument for evaluating the impairment of mandibular function in Turkish patients with TMD.

Reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Foot Function Index in patients with foot disorders

Background/aim: The Foot Function Index (FFI) is a valid, reliable, and widely used self-reported questionnaire for the foot. The purpose of this study was to provide evidence for the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the FFI (FFI-TR) among patients with foot disorders such as plantar fasciitis, hallux valgus, pes planus, and hammertoe deformities. Materials and methods: One hundred and fifty-nine patients with foot disorders were enrolled. The psychometric properties of the previously translated and adapted FFI-TR were assessed. The internal consistency and test-retest reliability were evaluated. Construct validity was examined for correlations with the Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire. Results: Cronbach's alpha ranged between 0.821 and 0.938. Reproducibility was satisfactory, with intraclass correlation coefficient values between 0.960 and 0.985. Weak correlations were found between FFI-TR and some SF-36 subscales for validity (|rho| < 0.30). There was a ceiling effect for the activity limitation subscale. There were no floor effects for any items or application times. Good accuracy was determined for all scores. Conclusion: FFI-TR is a reliable and valid scale. This tool can be used in routine practice and clinical research for evaluating foot disorders and foot-related functional impairments.