Brazilian-Portuguese validation of the Functional Measure for Amputees Questionnaire

Abstract

The aim of this study was to translate into Brazilian-Portuguese and culturally adapt the Functional Measure for Amputees Questionnaire (FMA), also testing its reliability and validity for assessing lower-limb amputees functional capacity. The FMA was translated, back-translated, evaluated by a multidisciplinary committee, and pre-tested. The final version was submitted to field test on a group made up of 44 subjects (39 men and 5 women) with transtibial (N= 27) and transfemoral (N=17) amputation level. The inter- and intra-examiner test showed high reliability; Kappa mean values were higher than 0.80; and in 25% of the items values reached 1.0, thus suggesting excellent examiner agreement. Question 2 (which determines the Locomotor Capabilities Index) internal consistency value found was 0.79, showing consistency as to mobility assessment. The FMA cultural adaptation was satisfactory; a few changes were needed, without altering the original structure or content. Results suggest that the FMA Brazilian-Portuguese version is a reliable instrument to measure functional outcomes of Brazilian lower limb amputees having undergone rehabilitation.