Article

The design used in this study was a prospective cohort. Pain intensity levels
recorded by the digital version of the visual analog scale (VAS-D) are easy to
both score and share with other health care professionals. The purpose of the
study was to examine the test-retest reliability, concurrent validity, and
responsiveness of the VAS-D. Thirty-three people with upper extremity injuries
reported pain intensity levels before and after performing four maximal grip
contractions (pre- and postgripping). Our version of the VAS-D had high
test-retest reliability (r=0.96) and good concurrent validity (r=0.84-0.97) with
both the paper version of the VAS (VAS-P) and the verbal numerical rating scale
(NRS-V). Responsiveness of the VAS-D was indicated by a significant increase in
pain levels from pre- to postgripping. Similar responsiveness to that of the
VAS-P and NRS-V was indicated by similar effect size coefficients and analysis of
variance of pain change scores. In conclusion, the VAS-D is a reliable, valid,
and responsive measure of pain intensity for people with upper extremity
injuries. However, differences in accuracy (resolution) among the VAS-D, VAS-P,
or NRS-V may render the three pain scales not fully compatible. LEVEL OF
EVIDENCE: Not applicable.
CI - Copyright (c) 2011 Hanley & Belfus. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights
reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS