• Francesco Sartorio, Stefano Vercelli, Elisabetta Bravini, Serena Bargeri, Michela Moroso, Giuseppe Plebani, and Giorgio Ferriero.
• Fondazione Salvatore Maugeri, IRCCS. francesco.sartorio@fsm.it.
• Med Lav. 2014 Jul 15; 105 (5): 357-65.

BackgroundValid and reliable outcome measures are fundamental for evaluating and comparing the effects of rehabilitation. Among the different tools used for the assessment of musculoskeletal disorders of the lower limb, the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) has been shown to have good psychometric properties. However, it has not yet been translated into Italian. The module regarding the performance of daily living activities (FAAM/ADL), in particular, can be applied also in an occupational setting.ObjectiveTo obtain an Italian version of the FAAM, and to validate the FAAM-I/ADL.MethodsThe cultural adaptation was performed according to international guidelines for forward/backward translation. The activities of daily living (ADL) module of the FAAM-I (FAAM-I/ADL) was validated with classical test theory methods in a convenience sample of 57 patients. Different parameters were calculated: internal consistency (Cronbach's α and item-to-total correlation); criterion validity, through Pearson's correlation (r) with the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS); test-retest reliability (ICC2,1); Standard Error of Measurement (SEM); and Minimal Detectable Change (MDC95).ResultsThe statistical analysis showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's α=.96, item-to-total correlation ranged between .51 and .85), high criterion validity (r=.66, p<0.01) and excellent test-retest reliability (ICC2, 1=.98, CI95%=.97-.99). The SEM was 2.7 points, with a MDC95 of 7.5 points.ConclusionsFAAM-I/ADL shows good psychometric properties, together with speed and ease of administration and scoring. Its use will facilitate the comparison of Italian data with international studies, ensuring greater uniformity of assessment.

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