Systematic review of the measurement properties of instruments utilized to diagnose Temporomandibular Disorders according to the COSMIN checklist

Abstract

Introduction: Most of the instruments used in Brazil to diagnose Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) were developed in another Language. To effectively use instruments that were created in another language, it must be translated into the relevant target language before cross-cultural adaptation. Clinimetric tests should also be performed. Measurement properties consist of quality criteria related to evaluation instruments. These criteria are necessary to determine the quality of the instruments used in Brazil. Objectives: The aim of the present systematic review was to assess the quality of the measurement properties of instruments utilized to diagnose TMD. Methods: Systematic searches were performed of the PUBMED, SCIELO, LILACS and SCIENCE DIRECT databases. Studies addressing questionnaires translated and cross-culturally adapted for use in Brazil were retrieved and the quality of the measurement properties was analyzed using the COSMIN checklist. Results: In the 11 eligible articles, 10 instruments were identified. The studies were evaluated based on their analysis of structural validity, internal consistency, reproducibility (concordance and reliability), responsiveness, ceiling effect and floor effect. None the assessment tools had all its measurement properties tested. Conclusion: The measurement properties of the instruments were not completely tested. Thus, care must be taken when interpreting the scores of these questionnaires.