Validation of a Russian Language Oswestry Disability Index Questionnaire

Study Design Retrospective reliability and validity study.

Objective To validate a recently translated Russian language version of the Oswestry Disability Index (R-ODI) using standardized methods detailed from previous validations in other languages.

Methods We included all subjects who were seen in our spine surgery clinic, over the age of 18, and fluent in the Russian language. R-ODI was translated by six bilingual people and combined into a consensus version. R-ODI and visual analog scale (VAS) questionnaires for leg and back pain were distributed to subjects during both their initial and follow-up visits.

Test validity, stability, and internal consistency were measured using standardized psychometric methods.

Results Ninety-seven subjects participated in the study. No change in the meaning of the questions on R-ODI was noted with translation from English to Russian. There was a significant positive correlation between R-ODI and VAS scores for both the leg and back during both the initial and follow-up visits (p < 0.01 for all). The instrument was shown to have high internal consistency (Cronbach α = 0.82) and moderate test-retest stability (interclass correlation coefficient = 0.70).

Conclusions The R-ODI is both valid and reliable for use among the Russian-speaking population in the United States.

Keywords: Oswestry Disability Index; Russian; lower back pain; nonoperative; operative; visual analog scale.