Solid Psychometric Properties Research Articles

Structure and factorial invariance of a brief version of the Eating Attitudes Test in Peruvian university students.

University students often experience significant changes in their eating habits, which can increase the risk of developing eating disorders (ED). This situation calls for the creation of brief assessment tools to identify college students who may be most at risk. The aim of the study was to determine the psychometric properties of the Eating Attitudes Test-8 (EAT-8) in a Peruvian university population; additionally, the possible differences in the scores of the instrument according to sociodemographic variables, such as gender and age, were examined. A psychometric study was conducted on 610 participants (M = 24.3, SD = 2.16, and 61.5% female), aged 19 to 31 years, belonging to four universities of different professional careers. The unidimensional eight-item model was found to have fit indices that confirm acceptable factorial validity (X2/df = 3.23, CFI = 0.984, TLI = 0.977, RMSEA = 0.061, SRMR = 0.049) and an internal consistency of 0.833 for the Cronbach's alpha coefficient and 0.838 for the McDonald's omega coefficient. In addition, the EAT-8 was reported to be invariant according to gender and age; likewise, there were no significant differences in the age and gender categories. The EAT-8 has solid psychometric properties, including validity, reliability, and invariance, in the Peruvian university population, which supports its ability to assess the risk of developing ED in this specific group.

Adaptation and validation of the Chinese version of the New Sexual Satisfaction Scale-Short Form in a sample of Chinese women.

Existing research on sexual satisfaction has been carried out primarily in Western samples, lacking insights from less sexually permissive cultures such as China, particularly in the case of heterosexual and sexual minority women. This study aimed to culturally adapt and validate the New Sexual Satisfaction Scale-Short Form (NSSS-S) in a sample of Chinese women with diverse sexual identities. The standard forward-backward translation procedure and cognitive debriefing were conducted to translate the NSSS-S into Mandarin Chinese (NSSS-SC). The psychometric properties of the NSSS-SC were assessed in this cross-sectional survey. The primary outcome measure was the NSSS-S. The World Health Organization Quality of Life-Abbreviated Form, the Positive Sexuality Scale, the Female Sexual Function Index, and a single-item measure of sexual satisfaction were used to test the measure's validity. A total of 336 Chinese women were recruited, with an average age of 26.82years (SD,6.03; range, 18-56). The 1-dimensional model had a good fit to the data and was invariant across 2 sexual identity groups (cisgender heterosexual and sexual minority women) and age. The NSSS-SC had good reliability; no significant floor and ceiling effects were observed. We found moderate to strong correlations between the NSSS-SC scores and the sexual satisfaction, sexual function, positive sexuality, and quality-of-life indicators. On average, cisgender heterosexual women were characterized by higher sexual satisfaction scores when compared with sexual minority women. The NSSS-SC can be used as a reliable and culturally appropriate measure of sexual satisfaction in women of different ages and sexual identities, which could be used in future sex-related surveys. This study is the first to translate the NSSS-S into Chinese and validate the NSSS-SC in a sample of Chinese women with varied sexual identities. However, this study recruited only female participants; future studies should also validate the NSSS-SC in Chinese men. The NSSS-SC is linguistically equivalent to the original scale and has solid psychometric properties, which can be used to assess sexual satisfaction levels in diverse samples of Chinese women.

Psychometric evaluation of the sensory e-cigarette expectancies scale for use with adolescents

BackgroundThe Sensory E-cigarette Expectancies Scale (SEES) has demonstrated solid psychometric properties for use with adults. It assesses expectancies for enjoying the taste and smell of vaping, experiencing pleasurable physical sensations, and enjoying creating vapor clouds. We evaluated psychometric properties of the SEES for use with adolescents. MethodsIn Fall 2022, 4,855 students from eight Connecticut high schools completed an anonymous, cross-sectional, online survey. Our analytic sample (n = 724) endorsed lifetime e-cigarette use and completed the SEES. Psychometric analyses included factor analyses, internal reliability, measurement invariance, between-groups differences, and relationships with vaping outcomes. ResultsThe three-factor SEES structure was confirmed. Internal reliability of each subscale was excellent (range: 0.88–0.95). The SEES was invariant by sex (male/female), race (Black/White/Other), Hispanic ethnicity (no/yes), nicotine e-cigarette use (no/yes), any past-month vaping (no/yes), daily vaping (no/yes), and vaping status (a variable created based on the distribution of past-month vaping frequency [0; 1–4; 5–20; 21+ days]). Those who reported using nicotine e-cigarettes, past-month vaping, daily vaping, and vaping on 21+ days in the past month reported stronger scores on each subscale compared to their respective counterparts. In adjusted models, expecting Pleasurable Physical Sensations was associated with total flavors used, past-month vaping frequency, and e-cigarette dependence. Enjoyment of Taste and Smell was positively associated with total flavors used and e-cigarette dependence. Enjoyment of Vapor Clouds was positively associated with total flavors used and past-month vaping frequency. ConclusionsGiven its strong psychometric properties, the SEES can be used in future research to assess sensory-related vaping expectancies in youth.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Perceptions of Empowerment in Midwifery Scale in the Spanish Context (PEMS-e).

Midwifery empowerment is an important topic. The most widely used instrument to measure the perceived empowerment of midwives is the Perceptions of Empowerment in Midwifery Scale (PEMS), which has not been validated in Spain. The aim of this study was to translate and adapt the PEMS to the Spanish context. This research was carried out in two phases; Phase 1: Methodological study; translation, backtranslation and cross-cultural adaptation of the PEMS and pilot study on the target population (10 midwives) for evaluation of face validity. Phase 2: Cross-sectional observational study to obtain a sample for construct validation by Exploratory Factor Analysis and measurement of PEMS-e reliability. Additionally, an inferential analysis was carried out to study the possible association between several collected variables and PEMS-e subscale-scores. A total of 410 midwives from 18 Spanish regions participated in the study through an online questionnaire. An initial Spanish version of the PEMS scale was produced, demonstrating adequate face validity. A final model was produced for the PEMS-e, which included 17 items classified into two subscales ("Organizational support" and "Own skills and teamwork") with fit indexes RMSEA = 0.062 (95%CI: 0.048-0.065) and AGFI = 0.985 (95%CI: 0.983-0.989) and Cronbach's alpha 0.922 for the total scale. Results showed that one in four midwives had considered abandoning the profession in the last 6 months (p ≤ 0.001). This research suggests that Spanish midwives perceive their empowerment level as low. The PEMS-e is a valid tool with solid psychometric properties that can be used in future research to identify factors that contribute to increased empowerment among Spanish midwives and inform strategies to improve job satisfaction and retention in the profession.

Development and psychometric study of the scale of the positive relationship PRIM + 19 in peruvian university students

BackgroundPositive relationships are one of the most important components within the PERMA model since they facilitate the development of the other components. However, in the scientific literature, few instruments have been identified with solid psychometric properties that measure positive relationships in university students and adequately represent the construct. Therefore, the study aims to develop and study the psychometric properties of the PRI + 19 positive relationships scale through Confirmatory Factor Analysis, factorial invariance, and relationship-based validity with other variables.MethodA pilot sample of 201 university students (43.8% men and 56.2 women) between the ages of 18 and 34 (M = 20.9; SD = 2.74) was collected. The confirmatory sample consisted of 450 university students of both sexes (30.2% men and 69.8 women) between the ages of 18 and 35 years (M = 21.9; SD = 3.15). Along with the PRI + scale, other instruments were applied to measure satisfaction with life and psychological well-being.ResultsIn the pilot study, the Exploratory Factor Analysis showed the presence of three factors that could explain 54.5% of the items. In the confirmatory study, the Confirmatory Factor Analysis showed that the model of three dimensions related to 19 items presents the best adjustment indexes compared to other models (χ2 = 541.61; df = 149; CFI = 0.97; TLI = 0.97; RMSEA = 0.077 [IC90% 0.070 ‒ 0.084]). The scale also showed evidence of being strictly invariant for the groups of men and women. Finally, it was shown that the development of the positive bonds dimension positively predicts psychological well-being (0.35) and life satisfaction (0.20). The positive relationship management dimension positively predicts psychological well-being (0.28) and life satisfaction (0.29). Similarly, the integration dimension positively predicts psychological well-being (0.48) and life satisfaction (0.52).ConclusionThis study suggests that the PRIM + 19 scale is a useful tool from which valid and reliable interpretations of positive relationships in Peruvian university students can be obtained.

Validation and standardization of the Childhood Trauma Screener (CTS) in the general population

BackgroundA valid, quick and widely applicable retrospective screening tool for child maltreatment is of great importance to better adapt interventions and treatments. The Childhood Trauma Screener (CTS), derived from the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), is one such instrument that aims to increase the likelihood of detecting mental and physical disorders that have manifested in adulthood as a result of traumatic experiences and maltreatment in childhood and adolescence. The present study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of the CTS and generate normative data.MethodsData from two representative surveys were combined. Both surveys used identical methods. The CTS, consisting of five items, other self-report instruments, and demographic characteristics were used. Construct validity was examined using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). A subsample was used to examine convergent validity with the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire (ACE). Normative data are reported for age groups and gender.ResultsA total of 5039 study participants provided valid responses to the 5-items questionnaire (54.3% female, response rate = 78.9%). CFA showed good fit indices for a 2-factor solution. Convergent validity was generally supported by moderate intercorrelations with the ACE.ConclusionsThe results confirm the solid psychometric properties of the CTS as an easy-to-use, ultra-short retrospective measure of child maltreatment. The data can be used to compare sample or individual results with reference data provided.

Validation of the Social Media Disorder Scale using network analysis in a large representative sample of Czech adolescents.

BackgroundThe importance of studying the excessive use of social media in adolescents is increasing and so is the need for in-depth evaluations of the psychometric properties of the measurement tools. This study investigated the properties of the Social Media Disorder Scale (SMDS) in a large representative sample of Czech adolescents.MethodsWe analyzed the representative sample of 13,377 Czech adolescents (50.9% boys), 11–16 years old, who participated in the Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey (2017–18), using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and network models. Furthermore, we evaluated the measurement invariance and constructed the validity of the SMDS.ResultsWe found support for a single dominant factor but not for strict unidimensionality. Several residual correlations were identified. The strongest were for: problems–conflicts–deceptions; persistence–escape; and preoccupation–tolerance–withdrawal. Girls, particularly 13- and 15-year-olds, scored higher than boys in the same age group, and 13- and 15-year-olds achieved higher scores than 11-year-olds, although some items were not invariant between the groups. The SMDS was positively related to other online activities, screen time, and falling asleep late, but negatively related to well-being and mental health.Discussion and conclusionsThe SMDS showed solid psychometric properties and construct validity. However, small violations of measurement invariance were detected. Furthermore, the network analysis showed important residual relationships between the items.

Skills Measurement Strategic Leadership Based on Knowledge Analytics Management through the Design of an Instrument for Business Managers of Chilean Companies

The growth of business intelligence and analytics (BI&A) and technological advancement is having an impact on business dynamics, implying that executives need to adjust their management skills to create value and a sustainable competitive advantage in agile environments. In this research study, a model (LDM–BI&A) consisting of knowledge and skills domains for BI&A leadership has been proposed to measure strategic leadership skills for BI&A business managers in Chilean SMEs. The skills were studied according to their demand (role requirements) and supply (university curricula in Chile). Factorial validity was determined using Confirmatory Factor Analysis, showing that the model satisfactorily fit the data. The instrument proves reliable, showing solid psychometric properties, and contributes to the literature as it has the design and empirical validation of an instrument that measures skills linked to business managers in Chilean SMEs. This will provide support to Human Resources managers on how BI&A leadership skills can be diagnosed, maintained, and developed.

Learned helplessness attributional scale (LHAS): Development and validation of an attributional style measure

Research illustrates that attribution theory holds untapped potential for researching problems in management and social science. This potential exists partly due to the lack of a concise measurement instrument. Previous measures, though suitable for their respective tasks, each come with a set of limitations. We suggest that one of these limitations, namely psychometric issues, may be a factor inhibiting use of attribution theory in the business domain. In answer to the call to increase the use of attribution theory we create a new set of scales to provide a stable, parsimonious instrument for measuring attribution style. Twelve sections of four courses across ten semesters were used to develop the scales and test them across groups and time. The final result is a new measurement tool, the Learned Helplessness Attribution Scale (LHAS), that demonstrates solid psychometric properties.

A Comparative Investigation of the Rasch/Guttman Scenario Approach: Measuring Learning Motivation Toward Mathematics in Elementary School

The Rasch/Guttman scenario (RGS) measurement approach is a promising test development methodology. The purpose of this study is to compare the RGS measure of primary school students’ motivation against more traditional self-report scales. The Scenario Scale of Extrinsic Motivation toward Math (SSEM-M) and its traditional counterpart were developed. The sample consisted of 1,299 primary school students. Both measures demonstrated solid psychometric properties and sound evidence of validity. The comparative part of the research revealed notable differences in scores and factor structure. Scenario item composition appears to provide a slightly better motivation measurement than traditional composition. Further research considering response style and social desirability effects may be of interest.

Scale of self-efficacy in oral hygiene (OHSE): analysis of psychometric properties in Spain

Aim Oral self-efficacy has been shown to be an important variable in predicting successful treatment, preventing health risks and encouraging health-promoting behaviour. In the context of oral health, it is of paramount importance to facilitate the use of the Oral Hygiene Self-Efficacy Scale (OHSE) in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of the OHSE scale in a sample of Spanish adults and offer standards for interpreting the scale. Method A sample of 360 people aged from 18 to 75 years was assessed using the OHSE scale. The scale was culturally adapted and translated, reliability tests, construct validity, comparison of means by sex and age group were carried out, and scales for evaluating the responses were prepared. Results After eliminating six items, the reliability and validity analyses showed adequate psychometric properties. There were no differences between sex or age group. Conclusion The OHSE scale for a Spanish adult population has sufficient empirical support to be considered a valid and useful instrument with solid psychometric properties and it offers an opportunity for oral health education intervention programs aimed at the adult population.

Adaptation and latent structure of the Brazilian version of the Ego Dissolution Inventory (EDI-BR): An exploratory study.

Existing scales that seek to measure alterations in self-experience were based on studies conducted in developed countries. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Ego-Dissolution Inventory (EDI), translate and adapt it to the Brazilian context. Translation of the measure was made by two translators fluent in both English and Portuguese, with back-translation into English to ensure there was no loss of meaning. The scale was included in an online survey exploring substance use. A total of 528 participants answered the full scale. We calculated the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measure to evaluate sampling adequacy, then ran Exploratory Analysis Factor (EFAs) to investigate the factor structure of the EDI. The scale showed acceptable psychometric properties, with excellent internal consistency and sampling adequacy for a factor analysis. Kaiser-Gutman's criteria and Hull's method pointed to a three-factor solution, while Parallel Analysis suggested a two-factor solution. All items showed salient loadings, with two items exhibiting cross-loading. Positive but weak correlations were found between EDI factors 1 and 2 and nature-relatedness. The validated scale showed solid psychometric properties, with potential differences in factor structure in relation to the English version. Considering validation as ongoing process, it is recommended to conduct studies comparing the scores of ego dissolution across distinct substances and different regions of the country.

Psychometric Characteristics and Sociodemographic Adaptation of the Corrigan Agitated Behavior Scale in Patients With Severe Mental Disorders.

Background: Severe mental disorder (SMD) is understood in a first approximation as a disorder of thought, emotion, or behavior of long duration, which entails a variable degree of disability and social dysfunction. One of the most widely used assessment scales for agitated behavior, in its English version, is the Corrigan Agitated Behavior Scale (ABS); several studies have demonstrated solid psychometric properties of the English version, with adequate internal consistency.Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the ABS Corrigan scale, in a sample of patients with severe mental disorders. The psychometric analyses of the Spanish version of the ABS Corrigan included tests of the reliability and validity of its internal structure.Results: The structure of the factorial loads of the analyzed elements is consistent with the hypothesized three-dimensional construction referred to in the original ABS. The results suggest that the reliability and validity of the three dimensions are acceptable (First 0.8, Second 0.8, and Third 0.7). The internal consistency of the Spanish version of the complete ABS and of each of the three domains that compose it is high, with values very close to those found in the original version, with approximate figures of 0.9.Conclusion: In our study, the three domains aim to explain 64.1% of the total variance of the scale, which exceeds the 50% found in the original version.

Consumers' knowledge of cashless payments: Development, validation, and usability of a measurement scale

AbstractThe global digital shift, recently accelerated by the COVID‐19 pandemic, requires that consumers have knowledge allowing them to navigate increasingly cashless markets safely and effectively. To enable valid and reliable measurement of such knowledge, we used data obtained from a random sample of adult Poles to develop and evaluate the psychometric properties and applicability of an original cashless payments knowledge scale (CPK scale). Our analyses based on Item Response Theory show that some evident subdomains exist within the CPK construct. The separate dimensions of the CPK merge into a coherent scale with solid psychometric properties. We find that the CPK score depends on the place of residence, education, and household size, and is positively related to safe cashless behavior. Our findings may have important implications for financial institutions as well as policymakers interested in segmenting consumers in terms of their financial knowledge, potential risks resulting from deficits in this knowledge, and enhancing financial literacy.

Dimensions of Work Environment that Impact Job Satisfaction in Clinical Practices of Medical Students During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic

Introduction: This article deals with the relationship between the work environment and job satisfaction in clinical practices of medical students during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Data are presented that attest to the underlying factor structure, reliability, predictive validity, and factors replicability between groups of the summary measure. Methods: An initial sample of 132 medical students from 3 different universities in Bogotá who carry out Clinical Practice activities in tertiary hospitals provided data for the exploratory factor analysis of this measure and to apply confirmatory factor analysis techniques. The validated instrument WCA is used for the work environment construct and MSQ for the job satisfaction construct. The potential applications of this measure are described, and the implications of these findings for measuring work environment and satisfaction are discussed. Results: The results of the CFA suggest a good global fit to the data of the proposed measurement model, favorable values of significance (p = 0,014); RMR; AGFI; TLI; CFI; GFI, and RMSEA. Conclusion: Solid psychometric properties are demonstrated, which prove that there are dimensions of organizational climate that have statistically significant relationships with variables of job satisfaction.

Introducing a composite measure of trust in financial services

ABSTRACT Existing trust scales generally measure aspects of trustworthiness and not trust per se. Trust is a broader concept encompassing attributes of the trustee, trustor and the situation/context. The purpose of this study is to develop a composite measurement scale for trust in financial services that incorporates elements of these three facets of trust. The study draws on interdisciplinary theories and adopts a broadly quantitative approach to develop, test and validate a five-dimensional scale for measuring trust in financial services. The trust scale for financial services developed through this study has five dimensions (5Cs): character-competence, congruence, communication, commitment and context. The scale provides a holistic conceptualisation of trust and displays solid psychometric properties. A comprehensive interdisciplinary trust scale for financial services, with strong reliability and validity, holds important managerial implications, its ability to capture the attributes of the trustee, trustor and financial system attesting to its suitability as a diagnostic tool to measure trust more robustly. Our trust scale has significant practical implications, offering useful insights for policymakers, commercial organisations and other stakeholders. This is the first trust scale for financial services that captures the attributes of trustee, trustor and context, reconcilling tensions between the conceptualisation and operationalisation of trust.

Normative data of the Portuguese version of the Mini-Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination.

Introduction:Mini-Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (M-ACE) is a screening neurocognitive test with diagnostic accuracy for mild cognitive impairment and dementia. The present study aims to determine the construct validity, concurrent and divergent validity and to determine the normative equation for the Portuguese version of M-ACE.Method:The sample is composed by 130 participants without any subjective complaint of memory loss and completely independent in daily life activities, recruited in health units, day care centers and religious and civic associations, from several districts of Portugal. The ACE-III, from which the M-ACE was extracted, and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) were administered to all participants.Results:Reliability is considered good (α = 0.844) and the item-total correlations of the M-ACE were highly significant. M-ACE showed a positive correlation with ACE-III and a negative correlation with GDS. Schooling and age were the only variables related to M-ACE performance. The obtained model from the multiple regression was significant. A normative equation was extracted from this model.Conclusions:The Portuguese version of M-ACE has solid psychometric properties enabling its clinical use. The availability of M-ACE normative equation based on a healthy sample according to age and education enables the use of a brief screening tool for cognitive functioning. M-ACE does not require formal specialized training, it is a quick test which can be an advantage, for instance, in primary health care consultations.

Measuring Primary Care Across 35 OECD Countries.

To examine the psychometric properties and scores of the Person-Centered Primary Care Measure (PCPCM) in 28 languages and 35 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. Using a paid online sampling service, we requested age- and sex-representative samples of 360 adults in each country. We administered the Person-Centered Primary Care Measure-a previously validated 11-item, patient-reported measure that was developed using what patients and clinicians said is most important about primary care. We also assessed construct validity through associations with demographics, the Patient-Enablement Instrument, number of years the person had been with their primary care physician and practice, whether the patient thought the doctor knowing the results would improve their care, and whether it was hard to complete the survey. We assessed the psychometric properties of the PCPCM in each country and report the summative and item-specific PCPCM scores for each country. The PCPCM exhibited solid psychometric properties across all languages and countries, with Cronbach's alphas ranging from 0.88 to 0.95, and corrected item-total correlations ranging from 0.47 to 0.81, with the vast majority of countries ranging from the low 0.50s to the high 0.70s. Multiple analyses showed strong evidence of concurrent validity. With a potential range from a low of 1 to a high of 4, the overall mean score was 2.74, with a standard deviation of 0.19. Mean PCPCM scores ranged from the lowest in Sweden (2.28) to the highest in Turkey (3.08), with Germany ranking second (3.01), and the United States third (2.99). The internal consistency and concurrent validity of the PCPCM across multiple countries provides strong evidence of the coherence of the breadth of primary care functions that patients and clinicians say are important. The diversity of total and item-specific scores across countries provokes interesting hypotheses about the influence of each different country's policies, practices, demographics, and culture on primary care, and provides a strong impetus for further ecological and individual data analyses using the Person-Centered Primary Care Measure. Annals "Online First" article.

Cross-cultural validation of the Arabic version of the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire DCDQ’07, in a Lebanese sample of children

BackgroundThe revised version of the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire (DCDQ’07) is a parent questionnaire designed to identify Developmental Coordination Disorder in 5–15-year-old children. AimThe aim of this study was to carry out the translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the DCDQ’07, to examine psychometric properties, and to define the cut-off scores of the Arabic-Lebanese version of the questionnaire (DCDQ-AL). Method38 parents of children with and without motor difficulties participated in the translation and cross-cultural phase. As for the validation phase and the study of the psychometric properties, a total of one hundred and twenty-four typically developing children (N=124) aged between 5 and 15 years were recruited through schools in different districts across Lebanon, whereas the clinical sample (N = 56) of children with motor difficulties was recruited via psychomotor rehabilitation centers in Beirut and psychomotor therapists working in private clinics across the country. This study used the Movement Assessment Battery for Children - second edition (MABC-2) motor test developed to classify children according to their degree of motor impairment. ResultsFor test-retest reliability and inter-rater reliability, excellent Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC) were shown with values of 0.94 and 0.9, respectively. The internal consistency value for the DCDQ-AL was high (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.947). Correlations between the DCDQ-AL scores and Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC-2) show adequate convergent validity (ρ = 0.65, p < .001). Differences in DCDQ-AL scores between children with and without motor difficulties (p < .001) provide clear evidence of discriminative validity. The Lebanese cut-offs are very similar to the Canadian version, except for the 5−7 age band. The DCDQ-AL shows a sensitivity of 0.91 and specificity of 0.77. The adapted questionnaire showed solid psychometric properties, allowing us to conclude that the DCDQ-AL can be used to support a diagnosis of DCD. ConclusionThe results provide evidence that the DCDQ-AL is a valid clinical screening tool for DCD that can assist Arabic speaking professionals in screening children aged 5–15 years old who are at risk of having DCD.

External Validation of the Minimum Clinically Important Difference in the Timed-up-and-go Test After Surgery for Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease.

Prospective observational cohort study. The aim of this study was to provide external validation of the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) of the Timed-up-and-go (TUG) test. The TUG test is one of the best explored and most frequently applied objective task-based functional outcome measure in patients with lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD). The increased use of the TUG test is based on its solid psychometric properties; however, an external validation of the originally determined MCID is lacking. Forty-nine patients with lumbar DDD, scheduled for elective spine surgery, were assessed pre- and 6-weeks (W6) postoperative. MCID values were calculate for raw TUG test times (seconds) and standardized TUG z scores using three different computation methods and the following established patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) as anchors: Visual Analog Scales (VAS), Core Outcome Measures Index Back, Zurich Claudication Questionnaire (ZCQ). The three computation methods generated a range of MCID values, depending on the PROM used as anchor, from 0.9 s (z score of 0.3) based on the VAS leg pain to 3.0 seconds (z score of 2.7) based on the ZCQ physical function scale. The average MCID of the TUG test across all anchors and computation methods was 2.1 s (z score of 1.5). According to the average MCID of raw TUG test values or TUG z scores, 41% and 43% of patients classified as W6 responders to surgery, respectively. This study confirms the ordinally reported TUG MCID values in patients undergoing surgery for lumbar. A TUG test time change of 2.1 seconds (or TUG z score change of 1.5) indicates an objective and clinically meaningful change in functional status. This report facilitates the interpretation of TUG test results in clinical routine as well as in research.Level of Evidence: 3.