Last update:
23-Jan-2024

OBJECTIVE To assess the reliability and validity of the shortened Greek version of the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (Short-WORC) in patients with rotator cuff-related pain (RCRP).

METHOD International published recommendations were followed for the translation and cross-cultural adaptation process. A total of 120 patients (mean age ±SD=48.5±15.33 years, 56 women and 64 men) with RCRP completed the Greek versions of the Short-WORC, Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and Rand-36 Item Health Survey. A total of 112 patients filled out the Greek versions of the Short-WORC twice and were included the in test-retest reliability analysis.

RESULTS One linguistic discrepancy was identified and adapted in the Greek language. The Greek version of the Short-WORC showed an acceptable face and content validity. The questionnaire presented a high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha= 0.84). The test-retest reliability was excellent suggesting an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.94 (95% confidence interval: 0.90–0.96). The standard error of measurement and minimal detectable change were found to be 5.6% and 15.6%, respectively. No ceiling or floor effects were identified. There was a strong correlation between the Greek versions of the Short-WORC and DASH (r=0.71), and a weak to moderate correlation between the Greek version of the Short-WORC and the Rand-36 Item Health Survey (r=0.30–0.59).

CONCLUSIONS The Greek version of the Short-WORC is an applicable, reliable, and valid self-reported outcome measure of health-related quality of life in patients with RCRP. Further research investigating the responsiveness of the questionnaire would be valuable for its future clinical use.

Key words: Outcome measures, Psychometric properties, Questionnaire, Rotator cuff, Shoulder pain, WORC.