The Neck Disability Index: state-of-the-art, 1991-2008
From: J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2008 Sep;31(7):491-502
The Neck Disability Index was the first instrument designed to assess self-rated disability in patients with neck pain. This article reviews the history of the Neck Disability Index and the current state of the research into its psychometric properties, reliability, validity, and responsiveness as well as its translations. Focused reviews are presented into its use in studies of the prognosis of whiplash injured patients as well as its use in clinical trials of conservative therapies for neck pain.
The Neck Disability Index is a relatively short, paper and pencil instrument that is easy to apply in both clinical and research settings. It has strong psychometric characteristics and has proven to be highly responsive in clinical trials. As of late 2007, it has been used in approximately 300 publications; it has been translated into 22 languages, and it is endorsed for use by a number of clinical guidelines.
The Neck Disability Index is the most widely used and most strongly validated instrument for assessing self-rated disability in patients with neck pain. It has been used effectively in both clinical and research settings in the treatment of this very common problem.
