Measurement Properties of the Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale in Patients With Nonspecific Low Back Pain: Systematic Review

Abstract

Background. The Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale (QBPDS) has been translated into different languages, and several studies on its measurement properties have been done.Purpose. The purpose of this review was to critically appraise and compare the measurement properties, when possible, of all language versions of the QBPDS by systematically reviewing the methodological quality and results of the available studies.Method. Bibliographic databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO) were searched for articles with the key words "Quebec," "back," "pain," and "disability" in combination with a methodological search filter for finding studies on measurement properties concerning the development or evaluation of the measurement properties of the QBPDS in patients with nonspecific low back pain. Assessment of the methodological quality was carried out by the reviewers using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) checklist for both the original language version of the QBPDS in English and French and all translated versions. The results of the measurement properties were rated based on criteria proposed by Terwee et al. Results.The search strategy resulted in identification of 1,436 publications, and 27 articles were included in the systematic review. There was limited-to-moderate evidence of good reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the QBPDS for the different language versions, but for no language version was evidence available for all measurement properties. Conclusion.For research and clinical practice, caution is advised when using the QBPDS to measure disability in patients with nonspecific low back pain. Strong evidence is lacking on all measurement properties for each language version of the QBPDS. O ne of the leading causes of disability worldwide is low back pain (LBP). Most of the time, LBP is benign and self-limiting and can be considered as nonspecific LBP, as no specific musculoskeletal pathology is found. [1][2][3] It occurs in similar proportions in all cultures, interferes with quality of life and work performance, and is the most common reason for medical consultation. 4,5 To measure the construct of disability in patients with LBP, several self-report back-specific questionnaires have been developed. They are recommended by the World Health Organization as instruments to evaluate the efficacy of treatments. 4 Two of the most commonly investigated questionnaires are the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) 6 -10 and the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Index (ODI). 11-15 However, previous systematic reviews on available questionnaires to measure disability in patients with LBP indicate that the Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale (QBPDS) 16 -18 is another well-validated and often recommended questionnaire. 17,19 -21 The QBPDS also is commonly used in randomized controlled trials. 20,[22][23][24] The QBPDS (Appendix) was developed in 1995 in English and French. 16,17,25,26 Contrary to the RMDQ and ODI, the QBPDS is based on a concept...

COSMIN guideline for systematic reviews of patient-reported outcome measures

“…In the absence of empirical evidence, the present COSMIN guideline for systematic reviews of PROMs is based on our experience that we (that is: the COSMIN steering committee) have gained over the past years in conducting systematic reviews of PROMs [ 11 , 12 ], in supporting other systematic reviewers in their work [ 13 , 14 ], and in the development of COSMIN methodology [ 15 , 16 ]. In addition, we have studied the quality of systematic reviews of PROMs in two consecutive reviews [ 7 , 17 ], and in reviews that have used the COSMIN methodology we have specifically searched for the comments made by review authors relating to the COSMIN methodology.…”

The Chinese Association for the Study of Pain (CASP): Consensus on the Assessment and Management of Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain

“…For the assessment of pain level, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), and pain questionnaires can be adopted. Functional assessment is usually achieved using ODI, Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale (QBPDS) [46], Short Form (36) Health Survey, and Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) [47]. One way to evaluate the back muscle function objectively and in real time is to apply surface electromyography (sEMG) [48].…”

Pain Behaviour Scale (PaBS): An Exploratory Study of Reliability and Construct Validity in a Chronic Low Back Pain Population

“…An individual's experience of pain may be outwardly expressed by demonstration of certain aberrant behaviours, with visible or audible responses indicative of discomfort or suffering such as grimacing and sighing [8, 9]. Such pain-related behaviours are commonly seen in musculoskeletal clinical practice in people with conditions such as osteoarthritis [10] and CLBP [11, 12]. Therefore, reporting perceived pain intensity on a Visual Analogue Scale and demonstrating pain-related behaviours are two different ways in which people may communicate their suffering in a clinical setting [6].…”