Development of the Sensory-Motor Dysfunction Questionnaire and Pilot Reliability Testing

Both chronic and recurrent spinal pain alter sensorimotor integration (SMI), which is demonstrated using complex neurophysiological techniques. Currently, there is no patient-reported outcome measure that documents and/or assesses SMI in populations with spinal problems. The purpose of this study was to develop the Sensory-Motor Dysfunction Questionnaire (SMD-Q) and assess its test-retest reliability and internal consistency in individuals with recurrent spinal pain. The SMD-Q was developed based on the existing literature on motor control disturbances associated with disordered SMI. The initial SMD-Q drafts underwent review by two separate panels of subject matter experts and a focus group with subclinical spine pain. Their suggestions were incorporated into the questionnaire prior to reliability testing. The questionnaire was administered twice at a seven-day interval using Qualtrics^TM. A total of 20 participants (14 females and 6 males; 20.95 ± 2.46 years of age) completed the study. Quadratic weighted kappa (K_w) was used to assess test-retest reliability and Cronbach's alpha (α) was used to assess internal consistency. Four items had a K_w < 0.40, seven had a 0.40 < K_w < 0.75, and one had a K_w > 0.75 (excellent agreement), with excellent internal consistency (α > 0.90). The pilot SMD-Q appears to reliably measure altered SMI, suggesting that revisions and testing with a larger sample are worth pursuing.