Article

The aim of this study was to examine the reliability and validity of the
Dyskinesia Impairment Scale (DIS). The DIS consists of two subscales: dystonia
and choreoathetosis. It measures both phenomena in dyskinetic cerebral palsy
(CP). METHOD: Twenty-five participants with dyskinetic CP (17 males; eight
females; age range 5-22y; mean age 13y 6mo; SD 5y 4mo), recruited from special
schools for children with motor disorders, were included. Exclusion criteria were
changes in muscle relaxant medication within the previous 3 months, orthopaedic
or neurosurgical interventions within the previous year, and spinal fusion.
Interrater reliability was verified by two independent raters. For interrater
reliability, intraclass correlation coefficients were assessed. Standard error of
measurement, the minimal detectable difference, and Cronbach's alpha for internal
consistency were determined. For concurrent validity of the DIS dystonia
subscale, the Barry-Albright Dystonia Scale was administered. RESULTS: The
intraclass correlation coefficient for the total DIS score and the two subscales
ranged between 0.91 and 0.98 for interrater reliability. The reliability of the
choreoathetosis subscale was found to be higher than that of the dystonia
subscale. The standard error of the measurement and minimal detectable difference
values were adequate. Cronbach's alpha values ranged from 0.89 to 0.93. Pearson's
correlation between the dystonia subscale and Barry-Albright Dystonia Scale was
0.84 (p<0.001). INTERPRETATION: Good to excellent reliability and validity were
found for the DIS. The DIS may be promising for increasing insights into the
natural history of dyskinetic CP and evaluating interventions. Future research on
the responsiveness of the DIS is warranted.

Langue : ANGLAIS