Brace Questionnaire Research Articles

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and clinimetric properties of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Brace Questionnaire

PurposeTo perform a cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Brazilian-Portuguese versions of the Brace Questionnaire in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.MethodsA forward-backward translation process was employed to produce a Brazilian Portuguese version of the Brace Questionnaire, followed by comprehensive cross-cultural adaptation stages. The measurements of internal consistency and test–retest reliability were assessed by Cronbach’s a and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), respectively. The Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to analyze the concurrent validity by comparison with the Scoliosis Research Society-22r questionnaire.ResultsA total of 84 scoliosis patients (age 13.4 ± 2.0 years, thoracic Cobb angle 33.3° ± 13.8°, and lumbar Cobb angle 29.8° ± 14.3°) were included. The Brace Questionnaire showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach α = 0.93) and moderate reliability (ICC = 0.86). The correlations between the Brace Questionnaire and Scoliosis Research Society-22 were r = 0.66; p = 0.011. In addition, it was found that the Brazilian version of the Brace Questionnaire does not have ceiling and floor effects.ConclusionsThe Brazilian-Portuguese adaptation of the brace questionnaire shows excellent reliability and can be a valid tool for psychometric assessment in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Could trochanteric pelvic stabilization be removed from the adolescent idiopathic scoliosis brace? A prospective pilot study.

Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common musculoskeletal deformity in children. There is a dose-response relationship between compliance and improvement in scoliosis. The literature revealed that esthetic considerations have negative consequences on the quality of life (QOL) of patients and consequently on wearing time of the brace. To minimize esthetic problems and then increase QOL and wearing time, we proposed a new relay brace named "corset Collerette" without a pelvic-trochanteric base. A prospective cohort study was conducted in the rehabilitation department of Bordeaux University Hospital. Patients consulting for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis were registered in a prospective hospital database. The patients expressing unwillingness to wear the usual brace or who had decreased compliance were offered the corset Collerette and were included in a 3-month follow-up. Outcome measures assessed at baseline and at 3 months were Scoliosis Research Society Outcomes Questionnaire (SRS-22) and Brace Questionnaire scales and wearing time. Cobb's angle evolution since the start of bracing was also collected. The primary end point was the QOL assed by the SRS-22 scale at 3 months of follow-up. The first 38 patients agreeing to wear the corset Collerette were included in the study. The QOL assessed by the SRS-22 was significantly improved with the corset Collerette ( p < 0.05). There was no significant increase in wearing time and thoracic Cobb's angles between baseline and follow-up ( p > 0.05). The switch to the corset Collerette allowed an improvement in the QOL of the patients and avoid a decrease in compliance with wearing the brace and maintain the same in-brace Cobb's angles.

Validity and reliability of the adapted Dutch version of the Brace Questionnaire (BrQ).

The Brace Questionnaire (BrQ) is a disease-specific health-related quality of life (HRQOL) instrument for measuring perceived health status of scoliosis patients undergoing brace treatment. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the validity and reliability of a translated and culturally adapted Dutch version of the BrQ. The original Greek BrQ was translated into Dutch and a cross-cultural adaptation and validation processes were conducted. Subsequently, 80 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients undergoing active brace treatment were included from 4 scoliosis centers to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Dutch version of the BrQ. The questionnaire's floor and ceiling effects, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability were assessed. Concurrent validity was evaluated by comparing the BrQ with the revised Scoliosis Research Society 22-item questionnaire (SRS-22r) scores. The mean total BrQ score was 75.9 (standard deviation [SD] 11.3) and the mean domain scores varied between 3.4 (SD 0.9) and 4.2 (SD 0.7) for the domains "vitality" and "bodily pain," respectively. There were no floor and ceiling effects for the total BrQ score. The BrQ showed satisfactory internal consistency in most subdomains with a Cronbach's α ranging between 0.35 for the domain "general health perception" and 0.89 for the domain "self-esteem and aesthetics." Excellent test-retest reproducibility was observed for the total BrQ score (ICC 0.91), and the BrQ was successfully validated against the SRS-22r. The translated and culturally adapted Dutch version of the BrQ is a valid and reliable HRQOL instrument for AIS patients undergoing brace treatment.

Russian localization and validation of the BRACE QUESTIONNAIRE

BACKGROUND:According to the literature, the Greek questionnaire on the study of the quality of life of children and adolescents undergoing brace treatment (BRACE questionnaire, abbreviated as BrQ) is informative and reliable, which is confirmed by its validation in different countries. This necessitates the creation ofanadopted Russian version and its validation.&#x0D; AIM:To perform Russian localization and validation of the Greek questionnaire on the study of the quality of life of children and adolescents undergoing brace treatment.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS:Russian localization and validation of the Russian version of the questionnaire on braces (Ru-BrQ) was carried out in several stages: direct and reverse translations, examination of the questionnaire, formation ofapreliminary version, pilot testing of 104 patients with idiopathic scoliosis on brace treatment, development of the final version, reliability study using the evaluation of Cronbachs alpha criterion and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and provision of the final version.&#x0D; RESULTS:According to the indicators of the overall Ru-BrQ score, 0% of patients scored at the floor and ceiling levels. The average quality of life scores according to Ru-BrQ and in the retest were 72 9.2 and 72.4 9.0 points, respectively. According to the ICC indicator, domains such as general health, self-esteem and aesthetics, vitality, and social functioning showed excellent reliability (0.9). Physical functioning and school activity demonstrated good reliability(0.750.9).Emotional functioning and body pain demonstrated moderate reliability (0.50.75). The Cronbachs alpha coefficient showed that except for the domains emotional functioning and body pain, where good internal consistency was determined (0.8), all other domains confirmed excellent internal consistency (0.9). The Pearson correlation coefficient (index 0.67) revealedanoticeable correlation between Ru-BrQ and the Russian version of SRS-22.&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS:The Russian version isareliable questionnaire for the study of the quality of life of children and adolescents undergoing brace treatment, comparable with the original Greek version of BrQ, and can be recommended for use in practical and scientific activities to assess the effect ofatorso brace on the quality of life in children and adolescents.

The Quality of Life of Patients after Conservative Treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Summary. Relevance. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is an important indicator of the treatment. Quality of life consists of functional, physical, emotional, social and spiritual states [1], and therefore has become a leading criterion in many researches, along with physical and economic factors. In the course of its development, the concept of quality of life has been correctly indicated as a parameter of the result in the recommendations of many medical societies [2].&#x0D; Objective: to assess the quality of life of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis who were treated conservatively.&#x0D; Materials and Methods. The study included 54 patients who were treated at the clinic of the Department of Pediatric Surgery of the Bogomolets National Medical University in the period from 2015 to 2019. The mean age of the patients was 12.6 years (range 10 to 15 years), the mean Cobb angle was 24.8° (range 20° to 37°), and the mean torso angle was 7.2° (range 6° to 17°). All patients underwent conservative treatment with continuous use of the Cheneau corset [6]. Indicators of quality of life were studied using Brace Questionnaire (BrQ) [8] at the beginning and at the end of treatment. The minimum duration of conservative treatment was 2 years.&#x0D; Results. Patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis at the end of treatment had lower scores in all domains of BrQ. This difference was statistically significant for the mean overall BrQ score and for the domains of general health perception, physical functioning, emotional functioning, self esteem and aesthetics, bodily pain, and social functioning. Assessments in the domains of vitality and school activity were not significant.&#x0D; Conclusions. It was found that the quality of life immediately after the end of conservative treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in the Cheneau сorset is gradually improving. Due to limitations in the design of the study, this finding highlights the importance of measuring quality of life indicators to assess how patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis perceive the impact of their disease.

Disease-Specific Outcome Measures Evaluating the Health-Related Quality of Life of Children and Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis and Scheuermann's Kyphosis: A Literature Review

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and Scheuermann's kyphosis (SK) are the most common types of spinal deformities in adolescents, and both have substantial ramifications on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) parameters. Various questionnaires have been developed to assess HRQoL in age-group populations with spinal deformity. Nevertheless, there remains a lack of consensus across the literature as to which instrument is the most suitable for evaluating the HRQoL of this cohort. Thus, this literature review was conducted to present disease-specific questionnaires for children and adolescents with AIS and SK to provide their psychometric characteristics (validity, reliability, and responsiveness) across different languages. A literature search was performed in the Medline (PubMed), Scopus, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases. Studies that outlined the development and application of questionnaires evaluating HRQoL of children and adolescents with spinal deformity were included, and data on their validity and reliability in different translated languages were collected. A total of 10 disease-specific questionnaires were identified. Except for one questionnaire that was a proxy-reported measure, the other questionnaires were self-reported. We determined that selecting the proper questionnaire for clinical and research purposes requires careful consideration of various factors including the type of treatment intervention planned as well as various patient demographic factors. For children with early-onset scoliosis, the ideal questionnaire to evaluate their HRQoL is the Early-Onset Scoliosis Questionnaire-24. For adolescents with AIS and SK who are potential candidates for surgical intervention, the use of Scoliosis Research Society-22, Scoliosis Japanese-27, and Quality of Life Profile Spinal Deformity questionnaires is appropriate. For patients who are under nonsurgical treatment, the Brace Questionnaire and Italian Spine Youth Quality of Life questionnaires can be utilized. Nonetheless, when the specific intent of a study is to evaluate the self-image perception of patients, the use of drawing-based questionnaires may be the optimal choice.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Chinese Version of the Brace Questionnaire.

Objective: To adapt the questionnaire cross-culturally and to analyze the adaptation and validation of the Chinese version of the Brace Questionnaire (C-BrQ).Methods: The adaptation was based on the International Quality of Life Assessment Project guidelines. A total of 79 patients with AIS were included to examine the psychometric properties of the C-BrQ. The reliability was assessed using internal consistency (the Cronbach's alpha coefficient) and test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient ICC2.1, 95% CI). Floor and ceiling effects were calculated. Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC, 95% CI) was used to compare the agreement between the Scoliosis Research Society-22 patient questionnaire (SRS-22) and C-BrQ.Results: There were strong correlations between each item and its corresponding domain significantly. The correlations between the C-BrQ domains and their related questions vary from moderate to strong (r = 0.311–0.933, P < 0.05). The Cronbach's was 0.891, showing good internal consistency of each domain of the BrQ, and the ICC in test–retest was 0.860 (0.8776, 0.912), which means an excellent test–retest reliability. The Lin's CCC between SRS-22 and C-BrQ was 0.773 (0.669, 0.848), showing great agreement. However, no significant floor and ceiling effects in C-BrQ was observed except the ceiling effect in school activity and bodily pain.Conclusion: BrQ was translated and cross-culturally adapted for use in China with good internal consistency and excellent test–retest reliability.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the arabic version of the brace questionnaire used for the treatment of adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the arabic version of the brace questionnaire used for the treatment of adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis

Reliability and validity of Chinese version of brace questionnaire for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A cross-sectional study.

There is an increasing concern about the impact of bracing on the quality of life (QoL) of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). However, up to now, few multidimensional questionnaires on this impact are available in China. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of Brace Questionnaire (C-BrQ).The BrQ was translated from Greek into Chinese with proper cross-cultural adaptation.An observational, cross-sectional study in Chinese patients with AIS was conducted to measure the temporal stability of C-BrQ using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The effects of ceiling and floor were evaluated and the reliability was verified by examining the internal consistency. The C-BrQ domains were compared with the domains in Chinese version of Scoliosis Research Society-22 Outcomes Questionnaire (C-SRS-22) using Pearson correlation coefficient to assess the concurrent validity.A total of 208 patients were included in the study. The results of test-retest reliability for each dimension of C-BrQ were desirable. The floor or ceiling effects were not demonstrated in the C-BrQ and C-SRS-22. Satisfactory internal consistency was found in all the C-BrQ domains. Most C-BrQ and C-SRS-22 domains showed satisfactory correlation coefficients, except when vitality and school activity in C-BrQ were compared with self-image, mental health, and management satisfaction in C-SRS -22, respectively.C-BrQ is reliable in evaluating the QoL of AIS patients receiving brace treatment.

The Relationship Between the Amount of Time for Brace Wear and Its Psychological Effects and the Level of Social Participation of Adolescents With Spinal Deformity

Background and Objectives: Braces are common non-surgical treatments for the management of spinal deformities in adolescents. There are factors that may determine the success of non-surgical treatments of spinal deformities. Hence the aim of current study was to investigate the relationship between the amount of time for brace wear and its psychological effects and the level of social participation of adolescents with spinal deformity. Subjects and Methods we examined adolescents undergoing brace treatment for spinal deformity attending to Ahvaz Technical Orthopedic Centers. Among them, 30 adolescents including 3 males and 27 females (mean age: 14.7 (1.92) years) were included in the study. Sampling method was simple non-probability sampling. Data were collected using Fear of Negative Evaluation questionnaire, Participation Scale questionnaire, Bad Sobernheimer stress (Deformity) and Bad Sobernheimer (brace) questionnaire. The duration (hours and months) of brace treatment was also recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using Spearman correlation coefficient calculation and correlational analysis. Results The results demonstrated that the participation scale had a negative correlation with Bad Sobernheimer (brace) score (r= 0.49, p=0.006). Participation scale also had a positive correlation with fear of negative evaluation score (r= 0.42, p=0.019). There were no significant correlation between other variables. Conclusion Psycho-social factors can affect adolescents’ participation score undergoing brace treatment. People with scoliosis and hyper kyphosis undergoing brace treatment are young, so, it is important to consider psychological and social factors during brace treatment, to minimize negative consequences of brace treatment.

Translation and validation of the Chinese version of Brace Questionnaire (BrQ).

BackgroundThe Brace Questionnaire (BrQ) is a tool developed to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) who receiving bracing as the primary treatment. It was initially developed and validated in Greek. The current study aimed to culturally adapt and psychometrically validate the BrQ in contemporary Chinese used in mainland China.MethodsTranslation of the BrQ from the original Greek into Chinese was performed. This study involved 70 Chinese adolescents between 10 and 18 years of age with a diagnosis of AIS and a Cobb angle measuring between 20 and 40 degrees. All patients received the same kind of brace for more than 4 months. Statistical analyses included internal consistency and the floor and ceiling effects of the BrQ. Subsequently, convergent validity was evaluated by correlating the measures in the BrQ with those in the Scoliosis Research Society-22 Questionnaire (SRS-22).ResultsThere were no floor and ceiling effects observed with the Chinese version of BrQ. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.967. Internal consistency as measured by Cronbach’s alpha was 0.923. The global BrQ score correlated strongly with the SRS-22 total score (r=0.743, P<0.001). Most domain-level sub-scores from the BrQ correlated with the respective domain scores of SRS-22.ConclusionsCross-cultural translation and validation demonstrated excellent reliability, high internal consistency and satisfactory concurrent validity of the Chinese version of BrQ.

Validity and Reliability of the Persian Version of Brace Questionnaire for Assessing the Quality of Life Life in Subjects With Scoliosis

Validity and Reliability of the Persian Version of Brace Questionnaire for Assessing the Quality of Life Life in Subjects With Scoliosis

The Effect of Bracing on Spinopelvic Rotation and Psychosocial Parameters in Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis.

Study DesignRetrospective study.PurposeTo evaluate the effect of bracing on spinopelvic rotation and psychosocial parameters in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).Overview of LiteratureComplex three-dimensional deformity in AIS is proposed to influence the spinopelvic parameters and psychosocial condition in adolescents; however, few studies have quantitatively evaluated these parameters.MethodsThirty AIS who were prescribed a brace were included in the study. The patients’ standing postero-anterior and total spine radiographs were used to measure the primary curve Cobb angle, vertebral rotation, and pelvic rotation. Apical vertebral rotation (AVR), upper AVR, and lower AVR were measured using the Nash-Moe method. Pelvic rotation was determined using the left-to-right hemipelvic width ratio. The curve pattern was classified as per the Lenke classification system. In all, 14 patients had a type I curve, five had type II, six had type III, one had type IV, and four had type V curves. Brace compliance was subjectively evaluated by interviewing the patients and their parents. The health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and stress level of the recruited patients were assessed using the Brace Questionnaire and Bad Sobernheim Stress Questionnaire, respectively.ResultsThe Cobb angle significantly decreased with at least 6 months of brace use. AVR correction changed significantly; however, no such results were observed for upper and lower AVR. Pelvic rotation and psychosocial parameters were not significantly affected by brace use. No statistically significant correlation was observed between brace compliance and curve correction.ConclusionsThe Cobb angle and AVR are crucial measurements that help evaluate the treatment efficacy in AIS with small curves who undergo brace treatment. HRQOL and pelvic axial rotation are not influenced by the brace treatment.

Reliability and Concurrent Validity of a Culturally Adapted Persian Version of the Brace Questionnaire in Adolescents With Idiopathic Scoliosis

Study DesignCross-sectional. ObjectivesTo determine the validity and reliability of culturally adapted Persian version of the Brace Questionnaire (P-BrQ). Summary of Background DataThe BrQ has proved to be a reliable and valid instrument for evaluating the quality of life of adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis and has been translated to different languages. But, lack of a Persian translated version makes its use impractical in the Persian speaking scoliotic patients. MethodsForward and backward translation of P-BrQ was conducted according to the International Quality of Life Assessment guidelines. The final version of the P-BrQ was administered to 51 adolescents (1 boy and 50 girls) with idiopathic scoliosis. The mean age of the participants was 13.88 ± 2.14 years. The questionnaire's internal consistency was determined using Cronbach's alpha. A subgroup of 38 participants were randomly selected to complete the BrQ for a second time one week later. The test-retest reliability was then analyzed using the intraclass correlation coefficient, while the concurrent validity was assessed by comparing the BrQ with the Scoliosis Research Society-22 questionnaire. ResultsThe total Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the P-BrQ was 0.96, and the overall intraclass correlation coefficient of the questionnaire was also 0.96. The intraclass correlation coefficients for the corresponding domains were as follows: general health perception, 0.96; physical functioning, 0.96; emotional functioning, 0.98; self-esteem, 0.80; vitality, 0.97; school activity, 0.98; pain, 0.97; and social functioning, 0.98. ConclusionsThe culturally adapted Persian version of the BrQ can be used to assess the quality of life of adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis who wear a brace. Level of EvidenceII.

Does rigid spinal orthosis carry more psychosocial implications than the flexible brace in AIS patients? A cross-sectional study

A small body of data exists concerning psychosocial issues in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) subjected to soft braces. No study was yet performed on the detailed psychosocial implications in AIS patients. To compare the psychosocial implications of the flexible SpineCor with the Cheneau orthosis in AIS females. Patients (aged 10-18 years) deliberately assigned to undergo SpineCor (SC group, 30 patients) or Cheneau brace (Ch group, 41 patients) intervention completed the Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22), the Spinal Appearance Questionnaire (SAQ), the Brace Questionnaire (BrQ) and the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI). Concerning the BrQ, study groups differ in regards to emotional functioning (p= 0.014), vitality (p= 0.022) and social functioning (p= 0.048), indicating better functioning in the Ch group. Considering the SAQ, the Ch group assesses body curve (p= 0.024) less critically. Regarding the PODCI, the Ch group scored higher in the Global Functioning Scale (p= 0.023), the Upper Extremity and Physical Function Scale (p= 0.000), the Transfer and Basic Mobility Scale (p= 0.088), the Pain/Comfort Scale (p= 0.009) and the Happiness Scale (p= 0.022). This study shows that patients treated with the rigid brace assess their vitality, physical function, emotional and social functioning better and are less critical towards body curve, in comparison to patients treated with the SpineCor.

Quality of life and patient satisfaction in bracing treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

BackgroundBracing is used as a valid non-surgical treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) to avoid progression of the deformity and thereby surgery. The effect of bracing treatment on quality of life of patients with AIS has been a topic of interest in the international literature. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life and patient satisfaction during bracing treatment for AIS of a pediatric hospital.Material and methodWe assessed a total of 43 non-consecutive female patients (mean age at questionnaire, 13 years and 1 month and 10 years and 8 months to 14 years and 5 months; mean period of usage of brace, 1 year and 7 months), with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), older than 10 years of age until skeletal maturity, with a Risser sign less than 3 and scoliosis between 20 and 45°, treated with thoracolumbosacral orthosis (TLSO) for a period longer than 6 months, and without other comorbidities or previous surgeries, were evaluated. The patients were administered a previously validated to Spanish questionnaire on quality of life (Brace Questionnaire (BrQ); Grivas TB et al.). BrQ is a validated tool and is considered a disease-specific instrument; its score ranges from 20 to 100 points, and higher BrQ scores are associated with better quality of life.ResultsThe patients reported using the brace for a mean of 17.6 h daily and for a mean period of 1 year and 7 months at the time of the study. Overall, 72% of the study population reported to be in some way psychologically affected by the brace wearing, 56% felt their basic motor activities were affected, 54% felt socialization with their environment was affected, 46% considered their quality of life deteriorated due to pain, and 40% reported conflicts in the school environment.ConclusionPatients with AIS treated with bracing reported a negative impact (53.5% overall) on quality of life and treatment satisfaction in terms of psychological, motor, social, and school environment aspects. An interdisciplinary approach would be important for the integrated psychosocial care of these patients.

Validation of the Korean version of the Brace Questionnaire

Objective: To evaluate the reliability and validity of an adapted Korean version of the Brace Questionnaire (K-BrQ).Methods: The Greek version of the BrQ was translated/retranslated, and all steps of the cross-cultural adaptation process were performed. The K-BrQ and the previously validated Korean version of the Scoliosis Research Society-22 Outcomes questionnaire (K-SRS-22) were mailed to 120 patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Reliability assessments were conducted using kappa statistics to assess item agreements, and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and Cronbach’s α values were calculated. Convergent validity was evaluated by comparing the K-BrQ and K-SRS-22 scores and discriminant validity by analyzing relationships between the K-BrQ scores and patient characteristics.Results: 103 patients filled in questionnaires twice. All items of the K-BrQ had kappa values of agreement of >0.6. The K-BrQ showed an excellent test/re-test reliability with an ICC of 0.913. The internal consistency of the K-BrQ was found to be very good (α = 0.872). The convergent validity testing demonstrated a strong correlation between the K-BrQ and K-SRS-22 (r = 712). The correlation between the K-BrQ and major curve magnitude was significant (r = −0.302).Conclusion: The adapted K-BrQ showed satisfactory reliability and validity and is thus considered suitable for monitoring the quality of life of Korean-speaking patients with AIS during brace treatment.

French validation of the Brace Questionnaire (BrQ)

BackgroundQuality of Life (QoL) scales have to be introduced in the treatment evaluation of our patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.Vasiliadis et. al. created the Brace Questionnaire (BrQ), which is specific for brace-treated adolescents. This tool was developed and validated in Greek.The aim of our study was to undertake the process of cultural adaptation of the Brace Questionnaire (BrQ) into French.MethodsThe BrQ is made of 34 items on Likert scale, divided in eight domains. The questionnaire was developed for self-completion by the children and is adapted for 9 to 18-year-old patients.The process of cultural adaptation of the questionnaire was in accordance with the International Quality of Life Assessment (IQOLA) guidelines.In the first place, descriptive statistics were used to calculate mean scores and standard deviations for a given question and a domain. The second level was comparative, concerning reliability and validity.ResultsThe internal consistency was satisfactory; Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.85. There were no floor or ceiling effects.ConclusionsThe French version of the BrQ (F-BrQ) is reliable and reproducible, and can therefore be used to evaluate the quality of life of children and adolescents treated with a brace for idiopathic scoliosis.

The Turkish version of the Brace Questionnaire in brace-treated adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis

Evaluation of the effects of brace treatment on quality of life in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is important. To analyze the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Brace Questionnaire. Cohort study, evaluation of reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Brace Questionnaire. Twenty-eight patients undergoing brace treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (median age: 14.6 years) were included in the study. The Brace Questionnaire was translated into Turkish and administered to the patients twice at an interval of 5 days. Reliability was assessed using the test-retest method (Pearson's correlation coefficient); internal consistency was analyzed using Cronbach's alpha. Validity was assessed by correlating the Brace Questionnaire with the Bad Sobernheim Stress Questionnaire-Brace and Scoliosis Research Society-22 questionnaire. The mean Cobb angles were 31.1° ± 8.3° and 29.7° ± 9° for thoracic and lumbar regions, respectively. Cronbach's alpha was 0.94. Intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.95 in test-retest reliability analysis. The correlations between Brace Questionnaire and Bad Sobernheim Stress Questionnaire-Brace and Scoliosis Research Society-22 were r = 0.67 and r = 0.64, respectively. The Turkish version of the Brace Questionnaire to measure the effects of brace treatment on quality of life in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis was found to have good validity, excellent reliability, and high internal consistency. Clinical relevance We recommend routine use of the Brace Questionnaire in scoliosis patients to evaluate brace-related quality of life and relevant factors and to support the individual when necessary during such treatment.

Scoliose et partage - ARTBRACE

“Scoliose et Partage” is a French association of scoliosis patients. It was created in 2005 to help people suffering from scoliosis and their families. We are not a medical association. We also want to better know and recognize scoliosis, a disease too often trivialized. We are also trying to raise awareness of the importance of early detection through a booklet created by the association and approved by the Ministry of Health. We also collaborate when it is possible with the medical community and to this purpose we supported the doctor de Mauroy during the implementation of the ARTBRACE. For this, we analyzed psychological evaluation questionnaires (brace questionnaire) sent to young patients to see how they support and live with their new brace. The evaluation period provides a time wearing day and night. This questionnaire includes 34 items divided into 8 groups: 1 General health perception: the majority the young people questioned are aware of the risk of development of her scoliosis 2 Physical behavior: many of them felt tired walking and had difficulty running. Sometimes it was a little harder to eat, sleep, and some breathing difficulties. 3 Emotional behavior: the ARTBRACE seems to have very little influence on the moral and character of young people. 4 Self-esteem and aesthetics: most teens do not like their physical appearance with brace 5 Vitality: they are generally more tired with the corset. 6 School activity : the brace does not seem to be a gene for school 7 Body pain: we note very little pain so drugs are rarely taken 8 Social behavior: Teenagers majority have a social life quite normal with their brace even if they sometimes had some apprehensions before. We can conclude that the ARTBRACE is often well tolerated in all fields by young people and allow them to have a normal life.