Article

The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire
is a global scale evaluating the impact of upper-extremity disorders. We sought
to validate or challenge the unidimensional factor structure of the DASH. METHOD:
Secondary analysis was performed on data collected from outpatient clinics.
Factor analysis was performed in two steps, exploratory factor analysis (EFA)
followed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). To provide further support for
unidimensionality, fit statistics were calculated using the Andrich Rasch
rating-scale model. RESULTS: EFA revealed three potential factors (eigenvalues =
18.40, 1.56, and 1.54). CFA was performed fitting a three-factor model.
Tucker-Lewis Index (.99) and standardized root mean square residual (.05) values
indicated good fit. Comparative fit index (.89) and root mean square error of
approximation (.13) did not. When divided into three constructs, only one item
misfit. CONCLUSION: More research is needed to determine situations in which
division of the DASH may enhance interpretability.

Langue : ANGLAIS