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Sun, Aug 31, 2025
Volume 23, Issue 3 (September 2025)
Iranian Rehabilitation Journal 2025, 23(3): 257-266 |
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Gharib M, Razavipour M, Amini P M. The Upper Limb Functional Index: Cross-cultural Adaptation for Iranian Patients. Iranian Rehabilitation Journal 2025; 23 (3) :257-266
URL: http://irj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-2531-en.html
URL: http://irj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-2531-en.html
1- Orthopedic Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
2- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
2- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
Abstract: (429 Views)
Objectives: This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and psychometrically validate the Persian version of the upper limb functional index (ULFI) in Iranian patients with upper limb musculoskeletal disorders.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 200 Iranian outpatients diagnosed with upper limb musculoskeletal disorders. The translation and cultural adaptation process included forward translation, back-translation, expert panel review, and pilot testing. Psychometric evaluation involved internal consistency (Cronbach’s α), test, re-test reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]), construct validity (convergent validity with the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand [DASH] questionnaire), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and responsiveness.
Results: The Persian ULFI exhibited excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α=0.91) and high test re-test reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]=0.88, 95% CI, 0.82%, 0.93%). Convergent validity was confirmed through a strong correlation with the DASH questionnaire (r=0.76, P<0.001). CFA supported a unidimensional structure, with fit indices (comparative fit index [CFI]=0.96, Tucker-Lewis index [TLI]=0.95, root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA]=0.06, standardized root mean square residual [SRMR]=0.04). Responsiveness analysis demonstrated significant improvement after rehabilitation (effect size=0.89, standardized response mean [SRM]=1.12, P<0.001).
Discussion: The Persian ULFI is a valid, reliable, and responsive tool for assessing upper limb function in Iranian patients. It can be effectively used in clinical settings and research to evaluate rehabilitation outcomes and functional impairment.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 200 Iranian outpatients diagnosed with upper limb musculoskeletal disorders. The translation and cultural adaptation process included forward translation, back-translation, expert panel review, and pilot testing. Psychometric evaluation involved internal consistency (Cronbach’s α), test, re-test reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]), construct validity (convergent validity with the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand [DASH] questionnaire), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and responsiveness.
Results: The Persian ULFI exhibited excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α=0.91) and high test re-test reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]=0.88, 95% CI, 0.82%, 0.93%). Convergent validity was confirmed through a strong correlation with the DASH questionnaire (r=0.76, P<0.001). CFA supported a unidimensional structure, with fit indices (comparative fit index [CFI]=0.96, Tucker-Lewis index [TLI]=0.95, root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA]=0.06, standardized root mean square residual [SRMR]=0.04). Responsiveness analysis demonstrated significant improvement after rehabilitation (effect size=0.89, standardized response mean [SRM]=1.12, P<0.001).
Discussion: The Persian ULFI is a valid, reliable, and responsive tool for assessing upper limb function in Iranian patients. It can be effectively used in clinical settings and research to evaluate rehabilitation outcomes and functional impairment.
Article type: Original Research Articles |
Subject:
Occupational therapy
Received: 2025/05/23 | Accepted: 2025/05/26 | Published: 2025/09/1
Received: 2025/05/23 | Accepted: 2025/05/26 | Published: 2025/09/1
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