Reliability and discriminative ability of the spinal cord independence measure III (Thai version)

Abstract

Study design: A cross-sectional study.

Objectives: To translate and assess the reliability and discriminative ability of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure III (SCIM III), Thai version (Th-SCIM III).

Setting: A tertiary rehabilitation center in Thailand.

Methods: The SCIM III was translated into the Thai version with a forward–backward translation. The tool was then used by three physical therapists to assess 31 subjects with various degrees of spinal cord injury (SCI) during the first week after admission.

Results: The Th-SCIM III had excellent inter-rater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient >0.90) and good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha ⩾0.88), and could significantly discriminate between the performance of subjects with varying degrees of lesion severity. Scores of 50 and over could moderately discriminate between subjects with motor complete SCI and incomplete SCI (sensitivity 68.75%, specificity 66.67%, 95% confidence interval=0.62–0.95).

Conclusion: The findings support the reliability and discriminative ability of the Th-SCIM III. The tool may benefit clinical assessments for overall aspects relating to SCI, particularly for Thai physical therapists. However, a further exploration of other psychometric properties may enhance the clinical utility of the tool.