Reliability and Validity of the Korean Version of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure III

OBJECTIVE Given the lack of a Korean version of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure III (KSCIM-III) that accurately reflects the contextual and cultural aspect of the assessment tool, the aims of the study were to develop a new Korean version of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure III and to investigate its reliability and validity. DESIGN Forty (N = 40) consecutive patients with spinal cord injury were included in this prospective study. Backward and forward translation of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure III was performed by fluent speakers in both languages. To measure the validity of Korean version of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure III, the scores were compared with the Modified Barthel Index. Each patient was examined by two occupational therapists. For test-retest reliability assessment, follow-up evaluation was repeated 1 mo after the initial assessment by the same evaluator. RESULTS Reliability between the Korean version of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure III evaluators showed values of 0.710-1.000, and test-retest reliability showed high values ranging from 0.295 to 0.664. The validity of Korean version of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure III was confirmed by the close correlation with Modified Barthel Index (r = 0.953, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The results of this study showed high interrater and substantial test-retest reliability. The Korean version of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure III is an appropriate tool to assess the activities of daily living in terms of independence for patients with spinal cord injury.