Reliability and validity assessment of the Brazilian Version of the foot and ankle ability measure for individuals with Achilles tendinopathy.

BACKGROUND

The Brazilian-Portuguese adaptation of the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM-Brazil) remains untested and unvalidated in the context of Achilles Tendinopathy (AT).

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to validate the FAAM-Brazil specifically for individuals grappling with AT, examining its clinimetric properties: internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct validity.

METHODS

A cohort of 101 volunteers diagnosed with AT completed assessments including the FAAM-Brazil, Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS-Brazil), and Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment (VISA-A Brazil) on two occasions with an interval of 2-3 days.

RESULTS

The FAAM-ADL and FAAM-Sport subscales demonstrated strong internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.84 and 0.89, respectively) and robust test-retest reliability (ICC2.1 reliability for FAAM-ADL: 0.81, 95%CI = 0.7 to 0.87; FAAM-Sport: 0.85, 95%CI = 0.78 to 0.90). The standard error of measurement (SEM) and Minimal Detectable Change (MDC) were 7.68 and 21.30 for the FAAM-ADL subscale and 6.52 and 18.09 for the FAAM-Sport subscale, respectively. Construct validity was evidenced by a strong correlation (rho = 0.67 for FAAM-Sport vs. VISA-A and rho = 0.68 for FAAM-Sport vs. LEFS), with no observed ceiling or floor effects.

CONCLUSION

This study provides compelling evidence supporting the FAAM as a valid and reliable outcome measure, warranting its recommendation for application in both scientific research and clinical practice, particularly in individuals managing AT.