Internal Consistency and Validity of the QuickDASH Instrument for Upper Extremity Injuries in Older Children

BACKGROUND: The short version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand instrument (QuickDASH) has been shown to be a valid, reliable, and responsive measure of upper extremity function in adults. However, the psychometric properties of the QuickDASH for younger patients have not been well established. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the internal consistency and validity of the QuickDASH for use with older children and adolescents. METHODS: The QuickDASH and PedsQL instruments were administered to 149 patients grouped into ages 8 to 12 and 13 to 18 years. RESULTS: Item response analysis showed a low SE of measurement (0.06) and a high coefficient α (0.91), suggesting high internal consistency among items. The QuickDASH was found to be a predictor of PedsQL score for both groups (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the QuickDASH is a consistent and valid instrument for older children and adolescents with upper extremity pathology. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, case series.