Abstract
Introduction: Several Self Report Outcome Measures (SROMs), including the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), and Modified-Oswestry or Back Disability Index (BDI), are advocated for determining Lumbo-Thoracic disability. These provide Evidence Based Practice (EBP) on the effectiveness of, and justification for intervention. However, disagreement on tool choice relates to practical and methodological characteristics, consequently a new tool is proposed. Methods: The Spinal Disability Questionnaire (SDQ) was developed to provide quantitative and qualitative measures in a practical, clinically friendly format. The 'Guyatt principles' determined content and face validity, with construct and criterion validity assessed via head-to-head comparison with the established tools (n = 37). Additional psychometric properties were also determined for error range and internal consistency. Subgroups (n = 28) provided pilot test-retestreliability and analysis of prospective responsiveness. Practicality was assessed through completion and scoring time and errors, length and ease of use. Results: The data demonstrates the SDQ possesses sound methodological characteristics including high correlation with the established tools (r > 0.91), high test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.89), error range (SEM = 8.06% and MDC90 = 18.80%), responsiveness (SRM = 1.49) and Internal Consistency (Chronbach α = 0.89), all exceeding recommended minimum standards. The SDQs practical clinical characteristics exceeded the Oswestry being comparable to the RMDQ but showing greater range of disability determination and distribution. Conclusions: The SDQ is a viable SROM tool for daily clinical use, alone or as part of a global measurement and screening package. It has sound practical and methodological characteristics exceeding those of advocated SROM tools.