Italian version of the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT-I)

Study design

Evaluation of the psychometric properties of a translated, culturally adapted questionnaire.

Objective

Translating, culturally adapting, and validating the Italian version of the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT-I).

Summary of background data

Ankle sprains are one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries and can lead to chronic ankle instability (CAI). The International Ankle Consortium recommends the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) as a valid and reliable self-report questionnaire assessing the presence and severity of CAI. At this moment, there is no validated Italian version of CAIT.

Methods

The Italian version of the CAIT (CAIT-I) was developed by an expert committee. Test-retest reliability of the CAIT-I was measured in 286 healthy and injured participants within a 4–9-day period, by using Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC_2,1). Construct validity, exploratory factor analysis, internal consistency and sensitivity were examined in a sample of 548 adults. Instrument responsiveness over 4 time points was determined in a subgroup of 37 participants.

Results

The CAIT-I demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability (ICC≥0.92) and good internal consistency (α = .84). Construct validity was confirmed. Identified cut-off for the presence of CAI was 24.75, with sensitivity= 0.77 and specificity= 0.65. There were significant differences across time for CAIT-I scores (P < .001), demonstrating responsiveness to change, but no floor or ceiling effects.

Conclusion

The CAIT-I demonstrates acceptable psychometric performance as a screening and outcome measure. The CAIT-I is a useful tool to assess the presence and severity of CAI.