Lymphoedema functioning, disability and health questionnaire for lower limb lymphoedema (Lymph-ICF-LL) : reliability and validity

Devoogdt, Nele; De Groef, An; Hendrickx, Ad; Damstra, Robert; Christiaansen, Anke; Geraerts, Inge; Vervloesem, Nele; Vergote, Ignace; Van Kampen, Marijke

doi:10.2522/PTJ.20130285

Title

Lymphoedema functioning, disability and health questionnaire for lower limb lymphoedema (Lymph-ICF-LL) : reliability and validity

Author

Devoogdt, Nele

De Groef, An

Hendrickx, Ad

Damstra, Robert

Christiaansen, Anke

Geraerts, Inge

Vervloesem, Nele

Vergote, Ignace

Van Kampen, Marijke

Abstract

Background. Patients may develop primary (congenital) or secondary (acquired) lymphedema, causing significant physical and psychosocial problems. To plan treatment for lymphedema and monitor a patient's progress, swelling, and problems in functioning associated with lymphedema development should be assessed at baseline and follow-up. Objective. The purpose of this study was to investigate the reliability (test-retest, internal consistency, and measurement variability) and validity (content and construct) of data obtained with the Lymphoedema Functioning, Disability and Health Questionnaire for Lower Limb Lymphoedema (Lymph-ICF-LL). Design. This was a multicenter, cross-sectional study. Methods. The Lymph-ICF-LL is a descriptive, evaluative tool containing 28 questions about impairments in function, activity limitations, and participation restrictions in patients with lower limb lymphedema. The questionnaire has 5 domains: physical function, mental function, general tasks/household activities, mobility activities, and life domains/social life. The reliability and validity of the Lymph-ICF-LL were examined in 30 participants with objective lower limb lymphedema. Results. Intraclass correlation coefficients for test-retest reliability ranged from .69 to .94, and Cronbach alpha coefficients for internal consistency ranged from .82 to .97. Measurement variability was acceptable (standard error of measurement=5.9-12.6). Content validity was good because all questions were understandable for 93% of participants, the scoring system (visual analog scale) was clear, and the questionnaire was comprehensive for 90% of participants. Construct validity was good. All hypotheses for assessing convergent validity and divergent validity were accepted. Limitations. The known-groups validity and responsiveness of the Dutch Lymph-ICF-LL and the cross-cultural validity of the English version of the Lymph-ICF-LL were not investigated. Conclusions. The Lymph-ICF-LL is a Dutch questionnaire with evidence of reliability and validity for assessing impairments in function, activity limitations, and participation restrictions in people with primary or secondary lower limb lymphedema.

Language

English

Source (journal)

Physical therapy / American Physical Therapy Association. - Washington, D.C.

Publication

Washington, D.C. : 2014

ISSN

0031-9023

DOI

10.2522/PTJ.20130285

Volume/pages

94 :5 (2014) , p. 705-721