Translation and validation of the Urdu version of the neck pain and disability scale.

Abstract

To translate and cross-culturally adapt the neck pain and disability scale (NPDS) into Urdu language (NPDS-U), and to investigate the NPDS-U's psychometric properties in patients with non-specific neck pain (NSNP). The NPDS was translated and cross-culturally adapted into Urdu in accordance with the previously described guidelines. The study included 200 NSNP patients and 50 healthy participants. The NPDS-U, Urdu version of neck disability index (NDI-U), neck Bournemouth questionnaire (NBQ)_, and numerical pain rating scale (NPRS) were completed by all participants. After three weeks of physiotherapy, the patients completed all of the above-mentioned questionnaires, along with the global rating of change scale. Reliability, factor analysis, validity, and responsiveness were all tested. The NPDS-U demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability (ICC_2,1=0.92) and high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.96). There were no floor or ceiling effects. A three-factor structure was extracted, which explained 70.42% of the total variance. The NPDS-U showed moderate to strong correlations with NPRS, NDI-U, and NBQ (<i>r</i> = 0.67-0.76, <i>p</i> < 0.001). A significant difference in the NPDS-U change scores between the stable and the improved groups (<i>p</i> < 0.001) confirmed its responsiveness. The NPDS-U is a reliable, valid, and responsive scale for assessing neck pain and disability in Urdu-speaking patients with NSNP.