A therapist-administered self-report version of the Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury II (WISCI): a psychometric study

Spinal Cord, 2024 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41393-024-00985-8 · Published: April 2, 2024

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

The study aimed to create and test a self-report version of the Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury II (WISCI II). This would allow people with SCI to report their walking ability without needing a face-to-face assessment. Two self-report versions (SR-V1 and SR-V2) were developed. SR-V1 was similar to the original WISCI II, while SR-V2 had more questions focusing on individual aspects of walking. Both versions were tested in Australia and Italy, and their reliability and validity were compared to the original face-to-face WISCI II. Therapists preferred SR-V2.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Eighty people with SCI

Evidence Level

Psychometric study

Key Findings

1
Both self-report versions (SR-V1 and SR-V2) showed excellent intra-rater reliability and validity compared to the original face-to-face WISCI II.
2
SR-V2 was slightly preferred by therapists because it was easier and quicker to administer and required less prompting from therapists.
3
SR-V2 required participants to answer fewer questions to determine their maximal WISCI score.

Research Summary

This study developed and tested two self-report versions (SR-V1 and SR-V2) of the Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury II (WISCI II) to assess walking ability in individuals with SCI. Both SR-V1 and SR-V2 demonstrated excellent intra-rater reliability and validity when compared to the original face-to-face WISCI II assessment. Therapists preferred SR-V2 due to its ease of administration and the reduced need for prompting participants, making it a potentially more practical alternative to face-to-face assessments.

Practical Implications

Remote Assessment

The self-report WISCI II versions offer a cost-effective and convenient alternative to face-to-face assessments, particularly for individuals living in the community.

Clinical Practice

Therapists can use the SR-V2 version to efficiently assess walking ability in individuals with SCI, reducing the burden of in-person evaluations.

Research

The self-report versions can be used in large-scale studies and clinical trials to collect data on walking ability in individuals with SCI more efficiently.

Study Limitations

1
The self-report versions may introduce slight error compared to the original face-to-face assessment.
2
Participants' interpretation of levels of assistance required to safely walk 10 m may be a source of error.
3
The study acknowledged that some participants required assistance to understand the questions.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury