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Published on: December 19, 2016
Reliability and validity of the Wheelchair User's Shoulder Pain Index (WUSPI)
K A Curtis1, K E Roach, E B Applegate
1Department of Physical Therapy, California State University Fresno 93740-0029, USA.
Paraplegia
|October 1, 1995
Summary
The Wheelchair User's Shoulder Pain Index (WUSPI) reliably measures shoulder pain in wheelchair users. This validated tool helps track pain and shoulder dysfunction in long-term users.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Orthopedics
- Pain Management
Background:
- Long-term wheelchair use frequently leads to shoulder pain.
- Quantifying this pain during functional activities is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the reliability and validity of the Wheelchair User's Shoulder Pain Index (WUSPI).
- To establish WUSPI as a tool for measuring shoulder pain in wheelchair users.
Main Methods:
- Test-retest reliability was determined using intraclass correlation in 16 wheelchair users.
- Concurrent validity was assessed by comparing WUSPI scores with shoulder range of motion measurements in 64 wheelchair users.
Main Results:
- The WUSPI demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.99).
- Significant negative correlations were found between WUSPI scores and shoulder range of motion (abduction, flexion, extension), indicating validity.
- The index showed high internal consistency.
Conclusions:
- The Wheelchair User's Shoulder Pain Index is a reliable and valid instrument.
- WUSPI can be effectively used by clinicians and researchers to document baseline shoulder dysfunction and monitor changes in wheelchair users.
- This tool aids in the study of musculoskeletal complications in this population.
