Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Face Validity of the Functional Mobility Assessment into Brazilian Portuguese

Abstract

Introduction. The Functional Mobility Assessment (FMA) measures satisfaction with mobility devices in daily life. However, in Brazil, there is a lack of instruments which measure functional mobility. Objective. We aim to report the cross-cultural adaptation process and face validity of the FMA for use in Brazil. Methods. Two international guidelines were used in the cross-cultural adaptation process. Two independent translators translated the instrument from English to Brazilian Portuguese, and the two versions were reconciled. Two different translators back translated this reconciled version, and an expert committee analysed the resulting synthesis. For face validity, the FMA was applied with 24 participants, divided into two groups, users with disabilities (n=12) and occupational therapy students (n=12), to verify their understanding of each item of the instrument. Results. The cross-cultural adaptation of the FMA was concluded, and its face validity presented that both groups understood most or completely all instrument items. Conclusion. The Brazilian version of FMA is now available in Brazilian Portuguese and has face validation. Further studies should test its psychometric properties.