Polish Cross-Cultural Adaptation of the Lower Limb Functional Index (LLFI) Demonstrates a Valid Outcome Measure for the Lower Limb Region and Joints

Abstract

This study aimed to perform linguistic and cross-cultural adaptation to establish a Polish version of the Lower Limb Functional Index (LLFI) as well as an evaluation of the psychometric properties. This was a two-stage, cross-sectional study. The first stage—linguistic and cultural adaptation, complied with the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research guidelines to produce the Lower Limb Functional Index, Polish version (LLFI-PL). The subjects were recruited to the second stage of the study from a sample of convenience (n = 125, age x- = 52.86 ± 19.53 years, 56% female, symptoms duration x- = 17.69 ± 18.39 weeks). Baseline reliability was performed on the LLFI-PL with retest period at 3–7 days. The Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), EuroQol Health Questionnaire 5-Dimensions 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L), and an 11-point Pain Numerical Rating Scale (P-NRS) were completed to assess the validity of the LLFI-PL. Statistical analysis showed high internal consistency (α = 0.94), and excellent test–retest reliability (ICC2.1 = 0.96). The measurement error was SEM = 1.69% with MDC90 = 3.93%. Construct validity demonstrated strong correlations between the LLFI-PL and WOMAC (r = 0.81) and moderate correlations with the EQ-5D-5L (r = −0.63) and P-NRS (r = −0.39). Exploratory factor analysis confirmed a single-factor structure. The LLFI-PL is a psychometrically sound questionnaire for Polish-speaking patients with lower limb musculoskeletal conditions. The results support findings from the previous original English, Spanish, and Turkish versions.