Validity and reliability of the Foot Function Index (FFI) questionnaire Brazilian-Portuguese version.

Bruna Reclusa Martinez,Danilo Harudy Kamonseki,Isabela Maschk Staboli,Liu Chiao Yi,Elly Budiman-Mak

doi:10.1186/s40064-016-3507-4

Bruna Reclusa Martinez, Danilo Harudy Kamonseki + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s40064-016-3507-4

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Abstract

PurposeTo evaluate the validity and reliability of the Foot Function Index (FFI) in its Brazilian Portuguese version.MethodsThe validity and reliability of the FFI were tested in 50 volunteers, with plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia and chronic ankle sprain. The FFI validity process used the Short Form-36 (SF-36) and Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) questionnaires. The correlation between FFI, SF-36 and FAOS was done using the Pearson’s linear coefficient. The inter and intra-evaluator reliability was ascertained by means of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the internal consistency by means of Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. The scores were used to assess the standard error measurement (SEM), minimal detectable change (MDC) and ceiling floor and effects.ResultsThe validity process showed that there were correlations between FFI and the “pain” and “social aspects” subscales of SF-36 and all subscales of FAOS, except for “other symptoms”. The Brazilian-Portuguese version of FFI showed excellent intra and interevaluator correlations, with an ICC range of 0.99–0.97 and score reliability that was considered highly satisfactory, with Cronbach’s alpha range of 0.80–0.61. The SEMs for inter and intra-evaluator reliability were 1.32 and 1.08, respectively. The MDC was 2.42 (90 % confidence interval). No ceiling and floor effect were detected.ConclusionsThe Brazilian-Portuguese version of the FFI questionnaire was found to be a valid and reliable instrument for foot function evaluation, and can be used both in scientific settings and in clinical practice.

Highlights

Evaluating musculoskeletal disorders is essential in order to determine physical impairments among individuals
Conventional evaluations such as strength and range of motion are being added through valid measurements that can determine functional, social and emotional characteristics
They were clinically diagnosed with plantar fasciitis (56 %), metatarsalgia (14 %) and lateral sprain of the ankle (30 %) in which the injuries occurred more than 6 months earlier

Summary

Introduction

Evaluating musculoskeletal disorders is essential in order to determine physical impairments among individuals. Due to the impact caused by these disorders on the state of health and quality of life, healthcare professionals are increasingly giving emphasis to analyses from the patients’ perspective Conventional evaluations such as strength and range of motion are being added through valid measurements that can determine functional, social and emotional characteristics Pathological conditions of the ankle and foot results from therapeutic interventions are under evaluation by healthcare professionals and researchers using self-reported outcome instruments. These instruments make it possible to use of reliable measurements for patients’ perceptions, and specific instruments have been standardized in order to follow up and evaluate the effects of a given intervention (Martin and Irrgang 2007).

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