Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and psychometric evaluation of the Arabic version of the University of Wisconsin running injury and recovery index: a reliability and validity study

BACKGROUND: To translate and cross-culturally adapt the University of Wisconsin Running Injury and Recovery Index (UWRI) into Arabic (UWRI-Ar) and evaluate its psychometric properties in Arabic-speaking runners with running-related injury (RRI). METHODS: A cross-cultural adaptation study with cross-sectional psychometric evaluation and test-retest reliability assessment was conducted across multiple physical therapy clinics using online survey administration. Eighty-three Arabic-speaking recreational or competitive runners aged 18-45 years with running-related injuries completed the UWRI-Ar, and 49/83 of participants (i.e., 59%) completed a retest after 2-5 days. Measurement properties evaluated included structural validity using exploratory factor analysis, internal consistency, floor and ceiling effects using the 15% threshold, and test-retest reliability with calculation of the standard error of measurement (SEM) and smallest detectable change (SDC). Construct validity was examined against the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-17), and Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) using Spearman correlations. RESULTS: = 0.801; 95% CI 0.673-0.882), with SEM = 3.55 and SDC = 9.83 (individual) and 1.40 (group). UWRI-Ar correlated positively with LEFS (ρ = 0.488) and negatively with NPRS (ρ = -0.263), TSK-17 (ρ = -0.463), and PCS total (ρ = -0.308) (all p < .05). CONCLUSION: The UWRI-Ar demonstrates acceptable structural validity, reliability, and construct validity, supporting its use as a brief, running-specific patient-reported outcome measure for short-term monitoring of recovery progression from running-related injury in Arabic-speaking runners.