Reliability and Validity of the Gujarati Translated FAAM in patients with Foot and Ankle Disorders

BACKGROUND AND NEED OF STUDY: The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) is a self-reported assessment tool designed to evaluate physical function in individuals experiencing foot and ankle impairments. It is a 29-item questionnaire divided into two subscales: the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure, 21-item Activities of Daily Living Subscale and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure, 8-item sports subscale is a population-specific subscale designed for athletes. Since the FAAM scale is not yet available in Gujarati, it is necessary to develop a version that can be effectively utilized by Gujarati-speaking individuals METHODOLOGY: An observational study was carried out in Ahmedabad to adapt a specific assessment tool into the Gujarati language. The translation process involved a dual forward-translation and back-translation approach to ensure linguistic accuracy. Based on the feedback of subject matter experts, healthcare professionals and academicians, a refined and unified version of the tool was finalized. The study involved 15 participants, comprising both males and females, with Foot and Ankle disorders. The adapted scale was then evaluated for face and content validity, as well as for internal consistency and reliability over time. RESULT: In the validation process of the Gujarati version of FAAM, total of 29 questions existed. Validity of the scale was evaluated using face validity and content validity. Reliability was assessed with Cronbach’s alpha and test-retest reliability assessed with ICC, 95% CI, p<0.001. ADL Subscale: Cronbach’s alpha 0.904; Sports Subscale: Cronbach’s alpha 0.839. ADL Subscale: ICC = 0.934; Sports Subscale: ICC = 0.770. S-CVI/UA ADL Subscale = 0.814 and Sports subscale = 0.857; S-CVI/Ave = 0.85 for both subscales. CONCLUSION: The Gujarati version of FAAM scale is valid and reliable tool to assess physical function for individual with foot and ankle related impairments in Gujarati speaking populations.