Development and Content Validation of Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome Index (IBFS-I)

Abstract

Introduction: Activity-related lateral knee discomfort is a common symptom of Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome (ITBFS), a condition characterised by excessive friction between the iliotibial band and the lateral femoral condyle. Literature indicates that ITBFS is highly prevalent in road cyclists, military recruits, and habitual runners respectively. But there is scarcity of readily usable tool to identify the extent of ITBS. This study was designed to develop and validate the content of a scale for ITBFS diagnosis. Aim: To develop and content validate of the developed tool which will help the physiotherapist to asses easier and earlier. Materials and Methods: This study involves expert opinions from seven different physiotherapy experts in an offline mode. Study was done in 3 phases: Phase 1: The extensive literature exploration Phase 2: Development of questionnaire Phase 3: Content validation of the developed questionnaire. The Delphi method was used to validate the content, which involves expert review panel, examining the domain and its items, assigning a score to each item, and computing the scale level content validity index (S-CVI) and item content validity index (I-CVI). It was performed using Delphi method which includes seeking expert opinion from 7 different expert from the field of physiotherapy on an offline mode, selecting expert review panel, reviewing domain and items, providing score to each item and calculating I-CVI (item content validity index) and scale level content validity index (S-CVI). Results: I-CVI was calculated using (I-CVI= agreed item/number of expert) and found to be 0.98 and S-CVI using (S-CVI=sum of I-CVI scores/Number of items) and found to be 0.9. This developed questionnaire is having excellent I-CVI and S-CVI. The physiotherapists may use the IBFS-I scale for the early identification of ITBFS. Conclusion: The IBFS-I scale may help physiotherapists diagnose ITBFS early. This scale may prove to be an effective tool in assisting the therapist in determining the degree of ITBFS in individuals