Cross-Cultural adaptation, validity, and reliability of the arabic version of the short musculoskeletal function assessment questionnaire

Background The evaluation and intervention process of musculoskeletal disorders necessitates the assessment of functional disabilities. An Arabic version of the short musculoskeletal function assessment questionnaire (SMFA) is unavailable and necessary to be delivered.Objective To cross-culturally adapt the SMFA into the Arabic language (SMFA-AR) and then to examine its measurement properties.Methods Four hundred and forty-six patients with a mean age of 40.99 +/- 11.74 were recruited through direct referrals. The translation process was performed using published guidelines. Patients were asked to fill out the SMFA-AR twice within a 2-7-day interval for the reliability assessment which was calculated using Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) for test-retest and by using Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency. Construct and concurrent validity were tested by calculating the Pearson's correlation coefficient between the SMFA-AR, the Arabic version of the quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Quick DASH-AR), the Arabic Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS- Arabic), the Arabic version of the European quality of life questionnaire (EQ-5D- AR), and the Arabic numeric pain rating scale (NPRS-AR).Results The SMFA-AR showed excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = .988) and excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.89). The standard error of measurement (SEM) and the minimal detectable change (MDC95) values were 1.419 and 3.933 respectively. On the other hand, the SMFA-AR showed a weak to moderate construct and concurrent validity with the quick DASH-AR, LEFS-AR, EQ-5D-AR, and NPRS-AR (r = 0.56, -0.24, -0.58, 0.31 respectively). There was no floor or ceiling effect for the SMFA-Ar. All the reported P values were less than 0.01Conclusion Regarding test-retest reliability and internal consistency, an excellent result was reported by the newly adapted SMFA-AR. Additionally, a weak to moderate construct and concurrent validity was found. It is advised to use the newly adapted SMFA-AR with Arabic-speaking patients having different musculoskeletal dysfunctions.