Detailled Information

Name of the Instrument/Tool Waddel disability index
First Description

Waddell G, Main CJ. Assessment of severity in low-back disorders. Spine. 1984;9(2):204-8

Year 1984
Domains
Concept of constructs Physical function
Population/Disease Disease specific
Originally developed for Low Back Pain (LBP)
Other rheumatic diseases
where can be applied (only if validated)
---
Additional population with no rheumatic diseases No
Language: Originally published in English
Available in Language English
REFERENCE IDENTIFICATION
Author/s Waddell G, Main CJ
Title Assessment of severity in low-back disorders.
Journal Spine
Year 1984
Vol 9
Num 2
Pages 204-208
Country UK
Language English
Other references of interest
No other References.
Instrument/Tool Translations References
No other References.
DEVELOPER CONTACT INFORMATION
Correspondence to Waddell G
E-Mail gordon.waddell@virgin.net
Address Aylward - Unumprovident Centre for Psychosocial and Disability Research, Cardiff University, UK
Website ---
Available ---
Links

www.cebp.nl/vault_public/filesystem/?ID=1277

DESCRIPTION OF THE INSTRUMENT
Type Of Measure Questionnaire
Brief Description

assesses disability by evaluating daily living activities commonly

restricted by LBP: lifting, sitting, standing, travelling, walking, sleeping, social life, sex life and putting on footwear

Number of Items 9
Range 0-9
Responses options/scale Yes
yes/no
Developed for ---
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Method of administration Self-administered
Recommendations to score

Reference Perioda : Since onset of back pain.

Waddell questionnaire score was the sum of the “yes” responses

Score Interpretation Better Function Indicated by Lower scores
Cut-off points ---
Cut-off points applied to ---
Smallest detectable change if described (MDC as around 3 points)
Smallest detectable change applied to ---
Completion time by the patient 5 minutes
Scoring time by the assessor <1 minutes
Training to score Not necessary
Strengths Easy to use
Limitations ---
OTHER COMMENTS
Other Comments

- potential clinical utility of the Waddell Disability Index is diminished by the relatively large MDC and a lack of scale