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The Arm Function in Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire (AMSQ): development and validation of a new tool using IRT
Lidwine B Mokkink1, Dirk L Knol1, Femke H van der Linden1,2
1a Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and.
Disability and Rehabilitation
|March 25, 2015
Summary
The Arm Function in Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire (AMSQ) is a reliable, unidimensional tool for assessing arm and hand function in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Its characteristics support further development as a computer adaptive test for clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Science
- Neurology
- Psychometrics
Background:
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) significantly impacts arm and hand function, necessitating accurate measurement tools.
- Existing scales were adapted to create the Arm Function in Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire (AMSQ).
- The goal was to develop a unidimensional scale suitable for item banking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the reliability and differential item functioning of the Dutch version of the AMSQ.
- To confirm the unidimensionality of the AMSQ.
- To assess the suitability of the AMSQ for item response theory (IRT) analysis.
Main Methods:
- Item response theory (IRT) and graded response model were applied to data from MS patients.
- Factor analysis was used to assess model fit and unidimensionality.
- Differential item functioning (DIF) was examined across MS type, gender, and administration versions.
Main Results:
- Factor analysis supported a unidimensional structure for the AMSQ.
- The overall reliability of the AMSQ was high (0.95).
- No differential item functioning was detected for the investigated variables.
Conclusions:
- The 31-item AMSQ is a valid and reliable measure of arm and hand function in MS.
- The AMSQ demonstrates excellent fit within an IRT graded response model.
- The AMSQ is suitable for clinical practice, research, and further development into a computer adaptive test (CAT).
