Validation of the Brazilian version of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure III.

Introduction: The Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM III) specifically assesses individuals with spinal cord injuries.

Objective: To translate and validate the Brazilian version of SCIM III.

Method: SCIM III was translated, back-translated and adapted to the Portuguese language. Two interviewers assessed 83 subjects with spinal cord injuries in each one of seven collaborating rehabilitation centers. Functional Independence Measure (FIM™) and ASIA motor and sensory indices were also used. After six months, subjects were re-evaluated with the same instruments.

Results: Examiners clearly understood the Brazilian version of SCIM III. Inter-rater intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.918, and test-retest ICC was 0.991. After six months, the variation of gains in the FIM™ positively correlated with gains in SCIM III.

Conclusion: The Brazilian version of the SCIM III is easy to understand, has good psychometric properties, and is valid.