A modified QuickDASH-9 provides a valid outcome instrument for upper limb function

Abstract

The 30-item Disabilities Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire was introduced to facilitate assessment of upper limb functional limitations. To improve practicality and eliminate item redundancy a modified instrument was needed. The 11-item QuickDASH was developed to fulfil these requirements and translated into several languages. However, prospective investigations of psychometric and practical characteristics are limited. No published study investigated readability or used concurrent validation with a standardized upper limb criterion measure. The validity of the QuickDASH has been questioned as the results for factor structure are conflicting, and the English-language version has not yet had factor structure reported. A shortened 9-item version, the QuickDASH-9, that addresses these issues is proposed.