Validation of the Italian version of the Rasch-Built Overall Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Disability Scale (ROADS) administered to patients and their caregivers. Issue 5 (3rd July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Manera, Umberto; Solero, Luca; Fournier, Christina Nicole; Canosa, Antonio; Vasta, Rosario; Bombaci, Alessandro; Grassano, Maurizio; Palumbo, Francesca; Torrieri, Maria Claudia; Salamone, Paolina; Casale, Federico; Fuda, Giuseppe; Moglia, Cristina; Calvo, Andrea; Chiò, Adriano
• Is Part Of: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal degeneration. Volume 23:Issue 5/6(2022)
• Page Start: 424
• Page End: 429
• Publication Date: 2022-07-03
• Subjects: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis -- functional rating scale -- rasch analysis; 616.839
• DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2021.2013892
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2167-8421

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) functional rating scale – revised (ALSFRS-R) is the most widely used tool for the clinical monitoring in ALS patients. Despite his usefulness as a multidimensional scale, the combined score derived from different domains is not linearly related to symptoms severity. The Rasch-Built Overall ALS Disability Scale (ROADS) has recently been developed to overcome some of these limitations. Objectives: To validate the Italian version of the ROADS scale and assess the reliability of its administration to patients versus their respective caregivers and the correlation to the corresponding ALSFRS-R. Methods: In the Turin ALS Center, the ROADS Scale questionnaire was administered together with ALSFRS-R to 55 ALS patients and their caregivers during regular follow-up assessments. Correlation analysis was performed using Spearman's rho, Bland-Altman difference plots, Cronbach's alpha coefficient and Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), one-way random effects were used for proper comparison. Results: Their correlation coefficient between patients and caregivers ROADS was found to be very high (ICC 0.95, p < 0.001). Stratifying for age, sex, site of onset, type of caregiver, disease duration, and progression rate, ICC values that did not change significantly among the considered categories. We also found a high correlation between ROADS and ALSFRS-R total score (patients' correlation coefficient: 0.88). Conclusions: The Italian version of the ROADS scale is a valid and reliable tool to monitor disease burden, showing a high level of agreement between the responses given by patients and caregivers.