Cross – cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the arm function in multiple sclerosis questionnaire

Objective: To perform the cultural adaptation of The Arm Function in Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire (AMSQ) and to investigate the psychometric properties of individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Methods: Two hundered individuals with MS participated in the study. Hand skills, grip strength, upper extremity spasticities, disability levels, walking levels and quality of life were evaluated by various performance-based tests and questionnaires. For validity, construct validity, known-groups validity, and factor analysis were used. For construct validity, predetermined hypotheses about the relationship between AMSQ and other assessment methods measuring similar structures were tested. AMSQ scores were compared between patients with and without spasticity for the known-groups validirt. For the reliability; the reproducibility of the form was evaluated with the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and the internal consistency was evaluated with the Cronbach's Alpha coefficient. Thirty-two participants were re-assesed with the AMSQ four weeks after the initial evaluation. The Standard Measurement Error (SEM) and Smallest Detectable Change (SDC) were calculated. Results: Seven (78%) of the nine hypotheses determined for construct validity were confirmed. There were moderate and high correlations between the AMSQ and other outcome measures. There was a significant difference between the two groups showing the known-groups validity (p<0.001). ICC was calculated as 0.96 (95% confidence interval; 0.92 - 0.98) and Cronbach's Alpha was 0.98 for internal consistency. In the 95% confidence interval, the SEM was 5.7; SDC was found to be 15.9. Conclusion: The Turkish version of AMSQ is a valid and reliable method for measuring arm function in patients with MS and compatible with other self-report scales and performance-based tests. Future longitudinal studies are required to investigate its relationship with other upper extremity assessment methods and its sensitivity to clinical changes. Keywords: Multiple sclerosis, arm, upper extremity, function