Cross-cultural adaptation, validity, and reliability of the Turkish version of the athlete disability index

The athlete disability index (ADI) is a self-administered scale developed specifically for athletes to assess functional disability due to low back pain. This study aimed to translate and adapt the ADI into Turkish, examine its validity and reliability, and to evaluate its clinical applicability in athletes with non-specific low back pain (NSLBP). A total of 130 athletes aged 18–35 years with NSLBP were recruited. Criterion validity was examined by correlating ADI-Tr scores with the visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), and Roland-Morris disability questionnaire (RMDQ). Floor and ceiling effects were evaluated. Test-retest reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), internal consistency using Cronbach’s alpha, and measurement error using the standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC₉₅). Structural validity was evaluated using exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA). No floor or ceiling effect (0% for both) was observed. The ADI-Tr demonstrated excellent reliability (ICC = 0.98) and moderate to strong internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.887) and significant correlations with established measures, such as the ODI (r = 0.646), and RMDQ (r = 0.615). The ADI-Tr demonstrated high measurement precision (SEM = 2.20; MDC₉₅=6.10). EFA and CFA supported a unidimensional structure of the ADI-Tr. These results indicate that the ADI-Tr is a reliable instrument for evaluating functional disability due to NSLBP in Turkish-speaking athletes. This study demonstrated that the ADI-Tr is a culturally adapted, valid, and reliable with excellent test-retest reliability and high internal consistency for assessing functional limitations due to non-specific low back pain in athletes. It can be effectively used in both clinical practice and research settings. Trial registration: NCT06700707 (Registration Date: 20 November 2024).