The spasticity-related quality of life 6-dimensions instrument in upper-limb spasticity: Part I Development and responsiveness

J Rehabil Med. 2022 Jan 3:54:jrm00244. doi: 10.2340/jrm.v53.690.

Abstract

Objective: To describe the development of the Spasticity-related Quality of Life 6-Dimensions instrument (SQoL-6D) and its sensitivity to clinical change (responsiveness).

Design: Multicentre, prospective, longitudinal cohort study at 8 UK sites (NCT03442660).

Patients: Adults (n = 104) undergoing focal treatment of upper limb spasticity.

Methods: No condition-specific health-related quality of life tool is available for upper-limb spasticity of any aetiology. The SQoL-6D was developed to fulfil this need, designed to complement the Upper Limb Spasticity Index (which incorporates the Goal Attainment Scaling evaluation of upper limb spasticity [GASeous] tool) with targeted standardised measures. The 6 dimensions of the SQoL-6D (score range 0-4) map onto common treatment goal areas identified in upper-limb spasticity studies. A Total score (0-100) provides overall spasticity-related health status. To assess responsiveness, the SQoL-6D, Global Assessment of Benefit scale and "GASeous" were administered at enrolment and 8 weeks.

Results: Significant differences in mean SQoL-6D Total score change and effect sizes across patients rating "some benefit" (0.51) and "great benefit" (0.88) supported responsiveness.

Conclusion: The SQoL-6D is a promising new measure of health status in upper limb spasticity, that enables systematic assessment of the impact of this condition in relation to patients' priority treatment goals. A psychometric evaluation of SQoL-6D is presented separately.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A*
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Muscle Spasticity / etiology
  • Neuromuscular Agents*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Quality of Life
  • Stroke*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Upper Extremity

Substances

  • Neuromuscular Agents
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT03442660