Psychometric properties of the Chilean version of the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Quick DASH) questionnaire for patients with shoulder disorders

Abstract

Introduction: The literature provides psychometric properties Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) similar to the original DASH. The potential advantages of this instrument include the shorter time needed to answer it and the elimination of some less relevant items. The cross-cultural validity for the Chilean version of the Quick DASH has already been developed, but its psychometric properties have not yet been studied in the Chilean population. Aim: To determine the internal consistency, test-retest reliability, minimum detectable change, minimum important change, relevant clinical change, and sensitivity of the Quick DASH subjective questionnaire in patients with common shoulder pathologies in the Chilean population. Material and method: 81 patients with shoulder pathologies were recruited by completing the Quick DASH on 3 occasions. After visiting their attending physician, starting physical therapy, and after completing 10 sessions of physical therapy. Results: The questionnaire shows an internal consistency of 0.92, test-retest reliability of 0.95 (0.91-0.97), minimum detectable change of 19.6%, minimum important change of 25.5%, relevant clinical change of 37.1%, and effect size (sensitivity) of 1.1. Conclusions: The psychometric properties described show that the Quick DASH can be used reliably in both clinical and research for Chilean patients with shoulder pathologies.