Cross-cultural adaptions and measurement properties of the WORC (Western Ontario rotator cuff index): a systematic review

Rochelle Furtado,Kenneth J Faber,George S Athwal,Goris Nazari,Joy C Macdermid,Dianne M Bryant

doi:10.1186/s12955-020-1276-9

Abstract

BackgroundTo evaluate the translations, cross-cultural adaptation procedures and measurement properties of the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC), when it is adapted for different cultures.MethodsA systematic review was performed, considering different cultural adaptions of the WORC accessible through MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE and/or Google Scholar. Included were prospective cohort studies that used an adapted version of the WORC to measure QoL in patients with rotator cuff disorders. All studies were evaluated according to the current guidelines for cross-cultural adaptations and measurement properties.ResultsThe search retrieved 14 studies that met the inclusion criteria. According to the recommended guidelines for cross-cultural adaptations, 8 studies performed 100% of the steps, 2 studies performed 80% of the steps and 4 studies used previously translated measures. When evaluating the studies’ psychometric properties based on the quality criteria, none of the studies reported all recommended measurement properties. All of the studies reported the measurement property of reliability, but none of the studies reported agreement. Internal consistency was fully reported by 15% of studies. Construct validity was reported by 43% of studies. Only one study reported 100% of the cross-cultural adaption guidelines and 83% of the quality criteria.ConclusionsAlthough the majority of studies demonstrated proper adaptation procedures, testing of the measurement properties were inadequate. It is recommended that the current adapted versions of the WORC undergo further testing before use in clinical practise, and researchers continue to adapt the WORC for different cultures as it proves to be an appropriate instrument for assessing rotator cuff pathology.

Highlights

Shoulder pain is one of the most commonly reported musculoskeletal problems that result in the restriction of work and/or social activities [1–3]
All Dutch versions were conducted independently; Wiertsema et al reported on the reproducibility and translations of the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC) [16], Wessel et al
Reported on the reliability, reproducibility and cognitive interviewing of creating a conceptually equivalent version [17] and de Witte et al reported on the reliability and responsiveness of the WORC [18]

Summary

Introduction

Shoulder pain is one of the most commonly reported musculoskeletal problems that result in the restriction of work and/or social activities [1–3]. Rotator cuff disorders (RCDs) are the most common causes of shoulder pain, as chronic tendon degeneration of the cuff results in a loss of tendon integrity that ranges from partial to massive tears [3]. RCDs are highly prevalent in males, Measuring QoL can help to determine prognosis and evaluate treatment outcomes in patients with RCDs [2–4]. The Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC), developed by Kirkley et al is one of the most validated disease-specific questionnaires to measure QoL in patients with RCD [5]. Cross-cultural adaptation procedures and measurement properties of the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC), when it is adapted for different cultures

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion