The Observable Movement Quality scale for patients with low back pain (OMQ-LBP): validity and reliability in a primary care setting of physical therapy

M.J.H. van Dijk, A.M. van der Wal, J. Mollema, B. Visser, H. Kiers, Y. Heerkens, M. W. G. Nijhuis van der Sanden

Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Background: The Observable Movement Quality scale for patients with low back pain (OMQ-LBP) is a newly developed measurement instrument for use in primary care settings of physical and exercise therapists to assess movement quality (MQ) of patients with low back pain (LBP). Objective: This study aims to determine validity, reliability and feasibility of the OMQ-LBP. The OMQ-LBP consists of a standardized movement circuit (performed twice) consisting of five daily activities problematic for LBP patients, which are scored with an 11-item observation list. Methods: Construct validity was determined by testing seven hypotheses on associations between constructs (n = 85 patients with LBP) and four hypotheses on known group differences (n = 85 patients with LBP and n = 63 healthy controls; n = 35 matched participant-patients having VAS-pain ≥ 20 mm during and/or after both circuits and healthy controls). Internal consistency was analyzed with Cronbach’s alpha (n = 85 patients with LBP). For inter- and intra-rater reliability Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) values were examined (n = 14 therapists: seven primary care physical therapists and seven exercise therapists). Additionally, content validity and feasibility were determined using thematic analysis of a brief interview with participants, patients (n = 38) and therapists (n = 14). Results: After Bonferroni correction 2/7 associations between constructs and 2/4 significant group differences were confirmed. Cronbach’s alpha was 0,79. The ICC-values of interrater reliability of the OMQ-LBP total score and the duration score were 0.56 and 0.99 and intra-rater reliability 0.82 and 0,93, respectively. Thematic analysis revealed five themes. Three themes elucidate that both patients and therapists perceived the content of the OMQ-LBP as valid. The fourth theme exhibits that OMQ-LBP provides a clear and unambiguous language for MQ in patients with LBP. Theme 5 depicts that the OMQ-LBP seems feasible, but video recording is time-consuming. Conclusions: The OMQ-LBP is a promising standardized observational assessment of MQ during the five most problematic daily activities in patients with LBP. It is expected that uniform and objective description and evaluation of MQ add value to clinical reasoning and facilitate uniform communication with patients and colleagues.
Original languageEnglish
Article number705
JournalBMC musculoskeletal disorders
Volume24
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2023
Externally publishedYes

Funding

The authors thank the patients and healthy controls for their participation in this study and the students E. Volk, Merijn Verheijen, N. Rakké, N. Fermin, S. Meijrink, T. Bestebreurtje, J. Bergmann, N. Huussen, G. Nugteren, and R. Heideveld, and the physical and exercise therapists I. Kors, P. Heinhuis, H. Kip, R. Boer, I. Blok, C. de Wolf, S. van Meerveld, M. Mooren, P. Redegeld, E. Brem, W. Kazemier, W. Achterberg, P. Hoepman, and W. Lootens employed in in Amersfoort, Elburg, Epe, Gouda, ‘t Harde, Heerhugowaard, Huizen, Utrecht, Nunspeet and Veldhoven for their contribution to this study. We also thank Dr. P. Wester (Utrecht University) and Hubert Korzelius (Radboud University) for statistical advise, and D. Clarence, J. Lof, Metamorfose Translation, C. van Bergeijk, N. Smorenburg, and R. Rezaie Ghavamabadi for their expertise and input in translating the observation list and Acolad Professional Language Services for revising the discussion.

FundersFunder number
Universiteit Utrecht
Radboud Universitair Medisch Centrum

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