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BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 1/2014

Open Access 01-12-2014 | Research article

Validation of the German version of the Neck Disability Index (NDI)

Authors: Holger Cramer, Romy Lauche, Jost Langhorst, Gustav J Dobos, Andreas Michalsen

Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders | Issue 1/2014

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Abstract

Background

The Neck Disability Index (NDI) is the most commonly used outcome measure for neck pain. This study aimed to determine the psychometric properties of a German version of the NDI. Cross-cultural translation and psychometric testing of the NDI were performed.

Methods

The 10-item NDI was translated into German and administered to 558 patients with chronic unspecific neck pain (Mean age 49.9 ± 11.4 years, 76% female). The factor structure and reliability of the NDI were assessed using factor analysis, Cronbach’s alpha, split-half reliability (Spearman-Brown coefficient), and intra-class correlation (ICC2,1). To determine convergent validity, pain intensity (visual analog scale; VAS), pain on movement (VAS), and quality of life (Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire; SF-36) were correlated with the NDI. Correlation with range of motion and sensitivity to change were also assessed in a subsample of 49 patients.

Results

The mean NDI score was 32.75 ± 13.09. Factor analysis revealed a single factor that explained 39.8% of the variance. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.81; Spearman-Brown coefficient was 0.80; and intra-class correlation was 0.81 (95% confidence interval = 0.78, 0.83). Significant correlations were found for pain intensity (r = 0.22, p < 0.01), pain on movement (r = 0.39, p < 0.01), quality of life (r = -0.30 to -0.45, p < 0.01), and range of motion (r = -0.34, p = 0.02). Patients who reported global improvement of health after an exercise or yoga intervention showed a higher decrease on the NDI than patients who reported no global improvement (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

The German version of the NDI has a comparable factor structure as the original version, acceptable psychometric properties, and is sensitive to change after physical activity. Neck disability is associated with other measures of neck pain.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Validation of the German version of the Neck Disability Index (NDI)
Authors
Holger Cramer
Romy Lauche
Jost Langhorst
Gustav J Dobos
Andreas Michalsen
Publication date
01-12-2014
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders / Issue 1/2014
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2474
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2474-15-91

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