Cross-Cultural Adaptation, Validity and Reliability Test of the Arabic Version of the Maine-Seattle Back Questionnaire

The Maine-Seattle Back Questionnaire (MSBQ) is a condition-specific instrument developed to assess functional disability in patients with low back pain (LBP) and sciatica. It was derived from a modified version of the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) and has demonstrated good reliability, validity, and responsiveness in its original development study .The MSBQ is concise and easy to administer, making it suitable for both clinical and research settings.

Despite the high prevalence of low back pain in Arabic-speaking populations, validated Arabic versions of some LBP-specific questionnaires, including the MSBQ, remain limited. Cultural, linguistic, and contextual factors may influence patient responses, highlighting the need for culturally adapted and psychometrically sound instruments. Developing an Arabic version of the MSBQ would facilitate accurate assessment of disability and enable meaningful comparisons in clinical practice and research.

The MSBQ was developed as a 12-item shortened version of the modified RMDQ to reduce respondent burden. It was constructed using qualitative methods and cluster analysis techniques to identify representative and non-redundant items. Its brevity enhances feasibility for self-administration in both home and clinical environments, making it particularly suitable for prospective outcome assessment in routine healthcare settings.

The present study is significant as it aims to address this gap through the development and validation of an Arabic version of the MSBQ. Providing a culturally adapted and psychometrically sound instrument will enhance clinical decision-making, standardize outcome measurement, and support patient-centered care among individuals with low back pain and sciatica in Arabic-speaking populations.

Inclusion criteria

• Age between 18 - 45 years representing the target population with sciatica.
• Diagnosed with low back or leg pain, with symptoms present for less than 6 months.
• Ability to read and write in Arabic - for accurate comprehension and completion of the questionnaire.
• Patients will be referred by the physician.
• Provide informed consent - indicating willingness to participate in the study voluntarily.

Exclusion criteria

• Prior lumbar spinal surgery.
• Presence of serious spinal pathology (fracture, tumor, infection, cauda equina syndrome, inflammatory spinal diseases).
• Neurological disorders affecting mobility or cognition. Pregnancy.
• Severe cognitive impairment or psychiatric disorders that may interfere with questionnaire completion