Content and psychometric evaluations of questionnaires for assessing physical function in people with arm–shoulder–hand disorders. A systematic review of the literature

Purpose The aim was to investigate how structured assessment of physical function can be performed in people with musculoskeletal disorders in arm-shoulder-hand. Specifically, we aimed to determine: • Which questionnaires are available for structured assessment of physical function in people with musculoskeletal disorders in arm-shoulder-hand? • What aspects of physical function do those questionnaires measure? • What are the psychometric properties of the questionnaires?Materials and methods By means of a systematic review, questionnaires and psychometric tests of those were identified. ICF was used to categorise the content of the questionnaires, and the COSMIN checklist was used to assess the psychometric evaluations.Results Nine questionnaires were identified. Most items focused on activities rather than functions. Commonly, a couple of psychometric measurements had been tested, most often reported being adequate. Only one questionnaire had been tested for all aspects. Variation in scope and insufficient reports regarding validity and reliability make comparisons and decisions on use difficult both in clinical practice and for research purposes.Conclusions The level of psychometric evaluation differs, and often only a few aspects of validity and reliability have been tested. The questionnaires address activity issues to a higher extent than function.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThis review investigates the content and quality of nine ASH questionnaires.The questionnaires addressed activity issues to a higher extent than function.The level of psychometric testing of the questionnaires differed.DASH, Quick-DASH, and SPADI were the questionnaires that were most often evaluated with various psychometric tests, and with adequate results.