The reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire for physiotherapists

Abstract

Purpose To translate and cross-culturally adapt the Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire for Physiotherapists (MSQPT) into Turkish, to evaluate its psychometric properties, including reliability and validity. Methods All participants have completed the Turkish version of MSQPT and the Multiple Sclerosis International Quality of Life (MusiQoL). Fifteen days later, 30 patients refilled the Turkish MSQPT. Reproducibility and internal consistency were analyzed by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Cronbach's α coefficient, respectively. Validity was evaluated by the Spearman correlation coefficient calculated by the association of the MSQPT score with the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and MusiQoL scores. Also, the standard error of measurement (SEM95) and the minimum detectable change (MDC95) were calculated. Results The global internal consistency was excellent (>0.90). The Cronbach's alpha coefficients of the activity, participation, and balance subscores were 0.931,0.829, and 0.508, respectively. The ICC value calculated for the total score and all three subscores were excellent (>0.80). SEM95 and MDC95 for the total score were 75.5 and 209.4, respectively. The correlation between the total score of MSQPT and the total score of MusiQoL was excellent (r = 0.776, p < 0.001). All scores of the Turkish MSQPT were highly correlated with the EDSS score, except participation subscore (r > 0.70, p < 0.001). Conclusion The Turkish version of the MSQPT is a reliable and valid assessment tool for multiple sclerosis patients. Implications for rehabilitation The Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire for Physiotherapists (MSQPT) was successfully translated and cross-culturally adapted into Turkish. The Turkish version of the MSQPT is a reliable and valid questionnaire for the evaluation of Turkish-speaking multiple sclerosis patients. Unlike the multiple sclerosis-specific quality of life measurement tools, the MSQPT focuses more extensively on the physiotherapists' needs.