Prevalence of Postural Changes and Musculoskeletal Disorders in Young Adults.

BACKGROUND: Postural changes are considered a public health problem, especially those that affect the spine, as they may predispose to degenerative conditions of the spine in adulthood. Musculoskeletal disorders are the main cause of chronic pain, illness, reduced educational performance, productivity, and quality of life, and are responsible for increased absenteeism, which could compromise the future career of students. The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of postural changes and the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders in different anatomical regions in the 12 months prior and 7 days prior to the application of the questionnaire and the number of affected anatomical regions. METHODS: This is an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study. It included 508 students selected by a stratified random sample. Our outcomes were the Portuguese version of the Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, the Adam's test, a scoliometer, and the visual analog pain scale associated with the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. RESULTS: In total, 79.3% of the students tested positive with the Adam's test. The neck, shoulder, lumbar region, and knee stood out in all of the temporal references, the 12 months prior (44.3%; 35.2%, 50.2%, 34.1%) and the 7 days prior (16.5%, 16.9%; 28.9%, 17.5%), and even in the restriction of activity due to painful symptoms in the 12 months prior (4.3%, 5.3%, 10.6%, 8.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Out of 497 students, 403 were identified with postural changes. The high prevalence rate of identified musculoskeletal symptoms in the anatomical regions of the neck, lumbar region, and shoulder raises the need for intervention in students. Gender appears to generate differences between men and women. Pain from multiple body sites is frequent among young adults.

Cross-cultural Adaptation and Validation of the European Portuguese Version of the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI).

INTRODUCTION: The Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI) is a self-administered questionnaire specifically used to determine the impact of shoulder instability on quality of life. The aim of this study was to translate the WOSI into European Portuguese and analyze its validity and reliability in a population with shoulder instability. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The WOSI was translated and culturally adapted from its original version into European Portuguese (WOSIPT). Internal consistency and test-retest analyses were conducted to determine the level of reliability of the scale. WOSI-PT, Quick-DASH, and SF-12 questionnaires were applied to 81 patients with symptomatic shoulder instability to assess validity, and reliability was tested by randomly selecting 50 patients within 72 hours using a test-retest design. RESULTS: The reliability of the WOSI-PT was very high, with Cronbach´s alpha equal to 0.97 and an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.98. Regarding the construct validity, the correlation between the WOSI-PT and QuickDASH was high and negative (-0.79). The correlations between WOSI-PT and SF-12 were positive, respectively, moderate with physical (0.66) and low with mental (0.34) health. CONCLUSION: WOSI-PT is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing the functional impact of shoulder joint instability on quality of life.

Introdução: O Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI) é um questionário de autopreenchimento utilizado especificamente para determinar o impacto da instabilidade do ombro na qualidade de vida. O objetivo deste estudo foi traduzir o WOSI para português e analisar a sua validade e fiabilidade para a população portuguesa com instabilidade do ombro. Material e Métodos: O WOSI foi traduzido e adaptado culturalmente da sua versão original para Português (WOSI-PT). Foram efetuadas as análises de consistência interna e teste-reteste para determinar o seu nível de fiabilidade. Os questionários WOSI-PT, QuickDASH, and SF-12 foram aplicados a 81 pacientes com sintomas de instabilidade para avaliar a validade, enquanto a fiabilidade foi testada usando 50 desses pacientes selecionados de modo aleatório, num estudo do tipo teste-reteste com 72 horas de intervalo. Resultados: A fiabilidade do WOSI-PT foi excelente com alfa de Cronbach de 0,97 e um ICC (intraclass correlation coeficiente) de 0.98. Relativamente à validade de constructo, a correlação entre o WOSI-PT e a QuickDASH foi alta e negativa (-0,79). A correlação entre o WOSI-PT e o SF-12 foi positiva e moderada para a componente física (0,66) e positiva e baixa para a componente de saúde mental (0,34). Conclusão: O WOSI-PT é um instrumento fiável e valido para avaliar o impacto da instabilidade do ombro na qualidade de vida.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Portuguese version of the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS).

OBJECTIVE: To translate and culturally adapt the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) to the European Portuguese language, and to test its reliability (internal consistency, reproducibility and measurement error) and validity (construct validity). METHODS: The OSS Portuguese version was obtained through translations, back-translations, consensus panels, clinical review and cognitive pre-test. Portuguese OSS, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaires, and the visual analogue scales of pain at rest [VAS rest] and during movement [VAS movement] were applied to 111 subjects with shoulder pain (degenerative or inflammatory disorders) and recommended for physical therapy. A clinical and sociodemographic questionnaire was also applied. RESULTS: The reliability was good, with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.90, an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.92, a standard error of measurement (SEM) of 2.59 points and a smallest detectable change (SDC) of 7.18 points. Construct validity was supported by the confirmation of three initial hypotheses involving expected significant correlation between OSS and other measures (DASH, VAS rest and VAS movement) and between OSS and the number of days of work absenteeism. CONCLUSION: The Portuguese OSS version presented suitable psychometric properties, in terms of reliability (internal consistency, reproducibility and measurement error) and validity (construct validity).

Reliability and Validity of the European Portuguese Version of the Social Touch Questionnaire.

Social touch is essential for physical and emotional well-being. However, different meanings can be attributed to physical contact during social interactions and may generate bonding or avoidant behaviors. This personal and unique experience is not usually taken into account in health and social care services. The aim of this study is to produce a valid and reliable European Portuguese version of the Social Touch Questionnaire (STQ, Wilhelm et al. in Biol Psychol 58:181-202, 2001. doi:10.1016/S0301-0511(01)00113-2). The STQ is a self-report questionnaire for adolescents and adults measuring behaviors and attitudes towards social touch. The original version was translated into European Portuguese using a forward-back translation process and its feasibility was examined. To evaluate the psychometric properties, a total of 242 Portuguese university students participated in the study (21.3 ± 3.8 years). The STQ was considered feasible, showed adequate internal consistency (Cronbach's α = .734), and the test-retest correlation with the STQ items demonstrated a high concordance between the tests over a two-week interval (ICC = .990; n = 50). Validity tests were performed, comparing the total score of the STQ with that of the anxiety and avoidance subscales of the Social Interaction and Performance Anxiety and Avoidance Scale (SIPAAS). A very significant conceptual convergence was confirmed between the STQ and with the SIPAAS-Anxiety (r = .64; p < .0001) and with the SIPAAS-Avoidance (r = .59; p < .0001). The exploratory factor analysis, with Promax rotation, revealed 3 factors: dislike of physical touch, liking of familiar physical touch and liking of public physical touch (Cronbach's alphas ranged from .68 to .75). Psychometric properties confirmed the adaptation of the STQ to the Portuguese culture. It is a reliable and valid self-report questionnaire and it appears to be a useful tool to assess behaviors and attitudes towards social touch.

Portuguese cultural adaptation and validation of the Activities Scale for Kids (ASK) / Adaptação à cultura portuguesa e validação da Escala de Atividades para Crianças (ASK)

Abstract Objectives: The main purpose of the current study was to perform the cross cultural adaptation and validation of the Activities Scale for Kids (ASK) both in its capability and performance versions to the European Portuguese language so it can be used in Portugal by healthcare professionals in children from 5 to 15 years of age with functional disabilities related to specific health conditions. Methods: The cross-cultural adaptation of ASK followed the classic sequential methodology for linguistic equivalence. To test its validity, internal consistency, and reproducibility, the Portuguese version of ASK was administered together with the KINDL Questionnaire (KINDL) to 88 children (10 ± 3 years of age) with functional limitations. The test–retest study was conducted two weeks apart. Results: After obtaining the semantic and content validity, the Portuguese version of ASK demonstrated good levels of reproducibility (performance: intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.99; capability: ICC = 0.98) and internal consistency (performance: α = 0.98; capability: α = 0.97). The correlations between ASK and KINDL were positive and moderate. Conclusions: The Portuguese version of ASK showed acceptable levels of validity, internal consistency, and reproducibility; the authors recommend its use in clinical settings.

Resumo Objetivos: O principal objetivo deste estudo foi realizar a adaptação transcultural para o português europeu e a validação das versões de capacidade e desempenho da Escala de Atividades para Crianças (Activity Scale for Kids (ASK)), de forma que possa ser utilizada em Portugal por profissionais da saúde com crianças de 5 a 15 anos de idade com deficiências funcionais relacionadas a doenças específicas. Métodos: A adaptação transcultural da ASK seguiu a metodologia sequencial clássica para obter equivalência linguística. Para testar sua validade, coerência interna e reprodutibilidade, a versão em português da ASK foi administrada juntamente com o Questionário KINDL (KINDL) em 88 crianças (10 ± 3 anos de idade) com limitações funcionais. O estudo de teste-reteste foi realizado com um intervalo de duas semanas. Resultados: Após obter a validade semântica e de conteúdo, a versão em português da ASK demonstrou bons níveis de reprodutibilidade (desempenho: coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (CCI) = 0,99; capacidade: CCI = 0,98) e coerência interna (desempenho: α = 0,98; capacidade: α = 0,97). As correlações entre a ASK e o KINDL foram positivas e moderadas. Conclusões: A versão em português da ASK apresentou níveis aceitáveis de validade, coerência interna e reprodutibilidade, e recomendamos seu uso em ambientes clínicos.

Portuguese cultural adaptation and validation of the Activities Scale for Kids (ASK).

OBJECTIVES: The main purpose of the current study was to perform the cross cultural adaptation and validation of the Activities Scale for Kids (ASK) both in its capability and performance versions to the European Portuguese language so it can be used in Portugal by healthcare professionals in children from 5 to 15 years of age with functional disabilities related to specific health conditions. METHODS: The cross-cultural adaptation of ASK followed the classic sequential methodology for linguistic equivalence. To test its validity, internal consistency, and reproducibility, the Portuguese version of ASK was administered together with the KINDL Questionnaire (KINDL) to 88 children (10±3 years of age) with functional limitations. The test-retest study was conducted two weeks apart. RESULTS: After obtaining the semantic and content validity, the Portuguese version of ASK demonstrated good levels of reproducibility (performance: intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]=0.99; capability: ICC=0.98) and internal consistency (performance: α=0.98; capability: α=0.97). The correlations between ASK and KINDL were positive and moderate. CONCLUSIONS: The Portuguese version of ASK showed acceptable levels of validity, internal consistency, and reproducibility; the authors recommend its use in clinical settings.

Reliability and validity of PedsQL for Portuguese children aged 5-7 and 8-12 years.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) is a measure to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children and adolescents. It is formed by 23 items adapted to children age and includes a parent proxy report version. With four multidimensional subscales and three summary scores, it measures health as defined by WHO. The concepts measured by this instrument are 'physical functioning' (8 items), 'emotional functioning' (5 items), 'social functioning' (5 items) and 'school functioning' (5 items). It also measures a 'total scale score' (23 items), a 'physical health summary score' (8 items) and a 'psychosocial health summary score' (15 items). The aim of this paper is to present the main results of the cultural adaptation and validation of the PedsQL into European Portuguese. METHODS: The Portuguese version was the result of a forward-backward translation process, with a cognitive debriefing analysis, guaranteeing face validity and semantic equivalence. Children aged 5-7 and 8-12 were randomly selected and were asked to fill a socio-demographic data survey and the Portuguese versions of PedsQL and KINDL, another HRQoL measure for children and adolescents. They were divided into three groups, healthy children, children with type I diabetes and children with spina bifida. RESULTS: A total of 179 children and 97 parents were recruited. PedsQL demonstrated good levels of reproducibility (r > 0.95 in all versions) and acceptable levels of internal consistency with Cronbach's alpha at 0.70 on most scales. Concordance values between children's and parents' perceptions ranged between 0.36 and 0.78 and the correlations with KINDL questionnaire were excellent, supporting concurrent validity. CONCLUSIONS: The Portuguese version of the PedsQL demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties for future research and clinical practice for children aged 5-12.

Reliability and validity of the Portuguese version of the Stroke Impact Scale 2.0 (SIS 2.0).

OBJECTIVE: To test the reliability and validity of the Portuguese version of the Stroke Impact Scale 2.0 (SIS 2.0). METHODS: Two samples (N = 448 and N = 50) of stroke patients attending physical therapy were evaluated. The Portuguese versions of the SIS 2.0 and Chedoke-McMaster Stroke Assessment (CMSA), and a set of individual patient characteristics were the measures used. RESULTS: Reliability was good with Cronbach's alpha coefficients ranging from 0.83 to 0.96, and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) between 0.70 and 0.95 for the SIS 2.0 domains. Construct validity was supported by 6 predefined hypotheses involving expected correlations between SIS 2.0 domains, CMSA dimensions and age. An additional predefined hypothesis was also confirmed, with subjects without complications during hospitalization obtaining significantly higher scores in 7 of the 8 SIS 2.0 domains (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The Portuguese SIS 2.0 evidenced suitable psychometric characteristics in terms of reliability and validity.

Measuring the pain impact in adults with a chronic pain condition: adaptation and validation of the Pain Impact Questionnaire (PIQ-6) to the Portuguese culture.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to validate the Pain Impact Questionnaire (PIQ-6) for Portuguese adults with a chronic pain condition. DESIGN: The Portuguese version was developed through forward-backward translations and a cognitive debriefing with chronic pain patients. A subsequent sample of patients was selected to test the validity and the obtained Portuguese measure. PATIENTS AND SETTING: Patients are comprised of a sample of 104 physical therapy patients with chronic pain from four outpatient clinics. OUTCOMES MEASURES: Reliability and validity were tested by administering the PIQ-6, the Medical Outcomes Study-12-Item Short Form (SF-12) questionnaire, a numerical rating pain scale, and a form to collect some of the characteristics of the patients. RESULTS: After obtaining the semantic and content equivalence, the Portuguese version of PIQ-6 showed good levels of reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficient between 0.82 and 0.94) and good levels of internal consistency, with Cronbach's alpha of 0.92. The factor analysis confirmed the unidimensionality of the measure (initial eigen-value = 4.29, 71.6%). Construct validity was supported by the correlations obtained with a numerical rating pain scale (rho = 0.705), SF-12 subscales (r = -0.723 and -0.656), and the age of the patients (r = 0.274). CONCLUSION: The PIQ-6 proved to be equivalent in both cultures (American/Portuguese), and is useful, reliable, and valid for use in Portugal.