Reliability and validity of a Swedish version of the Revised Leeds Disability Questionnaire for patients with ankylosing spondylitis

The aim of the study was to investigate the reliability and the validity of a Swedish version of the Revised Leeds Disability Questionnaire (RLDQ). Forty-two patients, 36 men and 6 women, median age 52.5 years, median symptom duration 24 years, with spondylarthropathy were assessed with the RLDQ, three questions on the content of the questionnaire, and range-of-motion measures. The results indicated satisfactory test-retest stability and internal consistency, and only minor internal redundancy. RLDQ items were generally considered relevant and suggested additions were similar to items already included in the questionnaire. Patients with low disability scores tended to be older and have better joint mobility than those with higher scores. Physiotherapists observed and scored disability significantly higher than patients. Correlations between subscores of the RLDQ and range-of-motion measures were in the main weak. In conclusion the Swedish version of the RLDQ may be considered as reliable and valid.