Develop to Turkish version of the upper limb short questionniare, to assess the relationship between upper extremity function and upper extremity pain and muscle stiffness in patients with duchenne muscular dystrophy

Objective: The purpose of this study is to analyze the validity and reliability of The Upper Limb Short Questionniare (ULSQ), which assess upper extremity function, pain and muscle stiffness in patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystropy (DMD) and examine the relationship between functional level and upper extremity function, pain and muscle stiffness. Methods: A total of forty-one patients with DMD were included in the study. Upper extremity functional levels were assessed with Brooke Upper Extremity Functional Rating Scale, lower extremity functional levels were assessed with Vignos Scale. The correlation between the ULSQ and ABILHAND-Kids was examined to determine validation. The Cronbach alpha value was calculated to determine internal consistency. In order to determine test-retest reliability, "Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC)" value was calculated. Results: There was an excellent correlation between the ULSQ and ABILHAND-Kids in the negative direction (r=- 0,80, p<0,001). Internal consistency of the ULSQ was fairly high (Cronbach alpha=0.785) and test-retest reliability was high (ICC=0.86). There was a significant relationship between upper extremity function, pain, muscle stiffness and functional level (p <0.001). Conclusion: The Turkish version of ULSQ is a valid and reliable scale for patients with DMD. KeyWords: Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, upper extremity, function, pain, muscle stiffness