Validation of the simplified Chinese (Mainland) version of the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (DASH-CHNPLAGH).

Background: We developed a simplified Chinese version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire (shorthand for DASH-CHNPLAGH) by conducting cross-cultural adaptation and evaluating its reliability and validity.

Methods: Both the forward and back translations were performed by language officers and medical professionals from different fields to translate the original DASH version into the DASH-CHNPLAGH version with minimized culture discrepancies. A total of 300 patients with upper extremity disorders were recruited to complete two DASH-CHNPLAGH questionnaires with 3-week test interval time.

Results: The intraclass coefficient (ICC) and Cronbach's alpha for the 30-item disability/symptom of the DASH-CHNPLAGH was 0.94 and 0.96, respectively, which were relatively high among that reported in previous literatures. DASH-CHNPLAGH showed a positive correlation with a visual analogue scale (VAS) and a negative correlation with SF-36 items.

Conclusions: The simple Chinese version of DASH is a reliable and valid measurement for patients with upper extremity problems.