Introduction
: The Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM III) specifically assesses individuals with spinal cord injuries.
Objective
: To translate and validate the Brazilian version of SCIM III.
Method
: SCIM III was translated, back-translated and adapted to the Portuguese language. Two interviewers assessed 83 subjects with spinal cord injuries in each one of seven collaborating rehabilitation centers. Functional Independence Measure (FIM™) and ASIA motor and sensory indices were also used. After six months, subjects were re-evaluated with the same instruments.
Results
: Examiners clearly understood the Brazilian version of SCIM III. Inter-rater intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.918, and test-retest ICC was 0.991. After six months, the variation of gains in the FIM™ positively correlated with gains in SCIM III.
Conclusion
: The Brazilian version of the SCIM III is easy to understand, has good psychometric properties, and is valid.
spinal cord; Spinal Cord Independence Measure; validation
