Development and content validity of the musculoskeletal self-management questionnaire (MSK-SMQ)

Article

Hutting, Nathan, Belton,Joletta, Caneiro, J.P., Oliveira, Vinicius Cunha, Devan, Hemakumar, Johnston, Venerina, Moore, Pete, Richardson, Julie, Staal, J. Bart and Walsh, Nicola. 2025. "Development and content validity of the musculoskeletal self-management questionnaire (MSK-SMQ)." Musculoskeletal Science and Practice. 78. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msksp.2025.103342
Article Title

Development and content validity of the musculoskeletal self-management questionnaire (MSK-SMQ)

Article CategoryArticle
AuthorsHutting, Nathan, Belton,Joletta, Caneiro, J.P., Oliveira, Vinicius Cunha, Devan, Hemakumar, Johnston, Venerina, Moore, Pete, Richardson, Julie, Staal, J. Bart and Walsh, Nicola
Journal TitleMusculoskeletal Science and Practice
Journal Citation78
Article Number103342
Number of Pages8
Year2025
PublisherElsevier
Place of PublicationUnited Kingdom
ISSN2468-7812
2468-8630
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msksp.2025.103342
Web Address (URL)https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468781225000906
Abstract

Background
Self-management is recommended for managing persistent musculoskeletal conditions. In self-management, standardized and validated measurements (e.g., questionnaires) should be used. However, there is no general questionnaire to evaluate the level of self-management in people with persistent musculoskeletal conditions.
Objectives
To develop a generic questionnaire to evaluate the level of self-management and self-management skills in people with persistent musculoskeletal conditions.
Design
Measurement properties study focused on the development and content validity of the Musculoskeletal Self-Management Questionnaire (MSK-SMQ).
Methods
The MSK-SMQ was developed, consisting of 24 questions. To assess the content validity of the MSK-SMQ, three panels (patients, professionals, researchers/academics) were used. The relevance, clarity and essentiality of each question was evaluated. Moreover, specific feedback could be provided. The Content Validity Index (CVI) was used to test content validity (Item-CV [I-CVI]) and the Scale-level-CVI [S-CVI]). The CVI was calculated for both relevance and clarity. The essentiality of each item was measured with the content validity ratio (CVR).
Results/findings
91 people participated in this study. The overall content validity (relevance) was excellent, with an S-CVI of 0.96. Overall clarity was also excellent, with a score of 0.97. The range of the I-CVI for relevance was 0.91–1.00 and the range for clarity was 0.93–1.00. The mean CVR value was 0.51 and ranged from 0.14 to 0.87.
Conclusions
The content validity of the questionnaire was found to be excellent. The study resulted in a revised version of the MSK-SMQ, which can be used in future research to determine further psychometric properties.

KeywordsContent validity; Self-management; Musculoskeletal conditions; Questionnaire
Contains Sensitive ContentDoes not contain sensitive content
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020420106. Physiotherapy
Byline AffiliationsSchool of Health and Medical Sciences
Centre for Health Research
Permalink -

https://research.usq.edu.au/item/zy961/development-and-content-validity-of-the-musculoskeletal-self-management-questionnaire-msk-smq

Log in to edit

Download files

Published Version
1-s2.0-S2468781225000906-main.pdf
License: CC BY 4.0
File access level: Anyone

  • 2
    total views
  • 0
    total downloads
  • 2
    views this month
  • 0
    downloads this month

Export as

Related outputs

Cost-utility and cost–benefit analysis of a multi-component intervention (NEXpro) for neck-related symptoms in Swiss office workers
Brunner, Beatrice, Aegerter, Andrea Martina, Johnston, Venerina, Volken, Thomas, Deforth, Manja, Sjøgaard, Gisela, Elfering, Achim, Melloh, Markus and NEXpro Collaboration Group. 2025. "Cost-utility and cost–benefit analysis of a multi-component intervention (NEXpro) for neck-related symptoms in Swiss office workers." BMC Public Health. 25 (1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-21103-6
Wellbeing and the Lived Experience of Injured Workers Following Finalisation of a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Weir, James, Fary, Robyn, Lee, Samantha, Mitchell, Tim, Johnston, Venerina, Wyatt, Mary, Guthrie, Robert, Myers, Bronwyn and Beales, Darren. 2025. "Wellbeing and the Lived Experience of Injured Workers Following Finalisation of a Workers’ Compensation Claim." Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-024-10264-1
Wellbeing after finalisation of a workers’ compensation claim: a cross-sectional survey
Weir, James, Fary, Robyn, Mitchell, Tim, Johnston, Venerina, Wyatt, Mary, Guthrie, Robert, Myers, Bronwyn and Beales, Darren. 2025. "Wellbeing after finalisation of a workers’ compensation claim: a cross-sectional survey." Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 67 (1), pp. e61-e71. https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000003264
Pain Education and Virtual Reality Improves Pain, Pain-related Fear of Movement, and Trunk Kinematics in Individuals With Persistent Low Back Pain
Window, Peter, McGrath, Michelle, Harvie, Daniel S., Smits, Esther, Johnston, Venerina and Murdoch, Megan. 2024. "Pain Education and Virtual Reality Improves Pain, Pain-related Fear of Movement, and Trunk Kinematics in Individuals With Persistent Low Back Pain." Clinical Journal of Pain. 40 (8), pp. 478-489. https://doi.org/10.1097/AJP.0000000000001221
Experiences of Working with Lower Limb Osteoarthritis: A Qualitative Study
Alyousef, Yousef S., Ross, Megan H., Johnston, Venerina and Smith, Michelle D.. 2024. "Experiences of Working with Lower Limb Osteoarthritis: A Qualitative Study." Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation. 34 (3), pp. 683-692. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-023-10158-8
Pilot implementation and evaluation of the Sit-Stand e-Guide: an e-training program on the use of sit-stand workstations
Zerguine, Haroun, Johnston, Venerina, Goode, Ana D. and Healy, Genevieve N.. 2024. "Pilot implementation and evaluation of the Sit-Stand e-Guide: an e-training program on the use of sit-stand workstations." Ergonomics: an international journal of research and practice in human factors and ergonomics. 67 (12), pp. 1845-1862. https://doi.org/10.1080/00140139.2024.2354379
Feasibility of a physiotherapist-supervised walking program with telephone coaching to increase physical activity following acquired brain injury
Payne, Caitlyn, Gesch, Janelle, Smits, Esther, Brakenridge, Charlotte, Johnston, Venerina, Gardiner, Paul A., Comans, Tracy, Bell, Ryan and Gane, Elise. 2024. "Feasibility of a physiotherapist-supervised walking program with telephone coaching to increase physical activity following acquired brain injury." Brain Impairment. 25 (2). https://doi.org/10.1071/IB23095
Effectiveness of Interventions on Work Outcomes After Road Traffic Crash-Related Musculoskeletal Injuries: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Brakenridge, Charlotte L., Smits, Esther J., Gane, Elise M., Andrews, Nicole E., Williams, Gina and Johnston, Venerina. 2024. "Effectiveness of Interventions on Work Outcomes After Road Traffic Crash-Related Musculoskeletal Injuries: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis." Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-024-10185-z
Work-related interventions are not commonly included in physiotherapy management of lower limb osteoarthritis: A cross-sectional survey of Australian Physiotherapists
Alyousef, Yousef S., Johnston, Venerina and Smith, Michelle D.. 2024. "Work-related interventions are not commonly included in physiotherapy management of lower limb osteoarthritis: A cross-sectional survey of Australian Physiotherapists." Musculoskeletal Science and Practice. 71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msksp.2024.102942
Co-design and development of the sit-stand e-guide: An e-training program for the optimal use of sit-stand workstations
Zerguine, Haroun, Healy, Genevieve N., Goode, Ana D., Abbott, Alison and Johnston, Venerina. 2024. "Co-design and development of the sit-stand e-guide: An e-training program for the optimal use of sit-stand workstations." Applied Ergonomics: human factors in technology and society. 116. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2023.104207
Wellbeing After Finalization of a Workers’ Compensation Claim: A Systematic Scoping Review
Weir, James, Fary, Robyn, Gibson, Mark, Mitchell, Tim, Johnston, Venerina, Wyatt, Mary, Guthrie, Robert, Myers, Bronwyn and Beales, Darren. 2024. "Wellbeing After Finalization of a Workers’ Compensation Claim: A Systematic Scoping Review." Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation. 34 (4), pp. 717-739. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-023-10168-6
The effect of lower limb osteoarthritis on work-related outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Alyousef, Yousef S., Johnston, Venerina, Mellor, Rebecca, Plinsinga, Melanie L., Zerguine, Haroun and Smith, Michelle D.. 2024. "The effect of lower limb osteoarthritis on work-related outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis ." Disability and Rehabilitation. 46 (17), pp. 3792-3801. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2023.2259304
"No Man's Land": the experiences of persons injured in a road traffic crash wanting to return to work in Queensland, Australia
Abedi, Masoumeh, Aplin, Aplin, Gane, Elise and Johnston, Venerina. 2024. ""No Man's Land": the experiences of persons injured in a road traffic crash wanting to return to work in Queensland, Australia." Disability and Rehabilitation. 46 (1), pp. 48-57. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2022.2153178
Cervical and axioscapular muscle stiffness measured with shear wave elastography: A comparison between different levels of work-related neck disability
Xie, Yanfei, Thomas, Lucy, Johnston, Venerina and Coombes, Brooke K.. 2023. "Cervical and axioscapular muscle stiffness measured with shear wave elastography: A comparison between different levels of work-related neck disability." Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology. 69. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelekin.2023.102754
Using framework analysis to understand multiple stakeholders' views of vocational rehabilitation following acquired brain injury
Johnston, Venerina, Brakenridge, Charlotte, Valiant, Donna, Leow, Charmaine Leow Kai, Andrews, Nicole, Gane, Elise M., Turner, Ben, Kendall, Melissa and Quinn, Ray. 2023. "Using framework analysis to understand multiple stakeholders' views of vocational rehabilitation following acquired brain injury." Brain Impairment. 24 (2), pp. 347-370. https://doi.org/10.1017/BrImp.2022.27
Tools to assess employment readiness for colorectal cancer survivors: A scoping review
Ding, Mingshuang, Gane, Elise, Wiffen, Harry and Johnston, Venerina. 2023. "Tools to assess employment readiness for colorectal cancer survivors: A scoping review." Cancer Medicine. 12 (17), pp. 18327-18353. https://doi.org/10.1002/cam4.6432
Work-related outcomes in individuals with and without lower limb osteoarthritis: an online survey
Alyousef, Yousef S., Johnston, Venerina and Smith, Michelle D.. 2023. "Work-related outcomes in individuals with and without lower limb osteoarthritis: an online survey." BMC Public Health. 23 (1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-16723-3
Clinically Relevant Decreases in Neck/Shoulder Pain Among Office Workers Are Associated With Strength Training Adherence and Exercise Compliance: Explorative Analyses From a Randomized Controlled Trial
Dalager, Tina, Welch, Alyssa, O'Leary, Shaun Patrick, Johnston, Venerina and Sjogaard, Gisela. 2023. "Clinically Relevant Decreases in Neck/Shoulder Pain Among Office Workers Are Associated With Strength Training Adherence and Exercise Compliance: Explorative Analyses From a Randomized Controlled Trial." Physical Therapy. 103 (2), pp. 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzac166
Exploring the perspectives of key stakeholders in returning to work after minor to serious road traffic injuries: a qualitative study
Abedi, Masoumeh, Aplin, Tammy, Gane, Gane and Johnston, Venerina. 2023. "Exploring the perspectives of key stakeholders in returning to work after minor to serious road traffic injuries: a qualitative study." Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation. 33 (1), pp. 93-106. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-022-10051-w
Implementation of the "clinical framework for the delivery of health services" by treating healthcare professionals: perspectives of regulators and insurers
Adalja, Bhavya, Aplin, Tammy, Sterling, Michele and Johnston, Venerina. 2023. "Implementation of the "clinical framework for the delivery of health services" by treating healthcare professionals: perspectives of regulators and insurers." Disability and Rehabilitation. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2023.2171496
Online office ergonomics training programs: A scoping review examining design and user-related outcomes
Zerguine, Haroun, Healy, Genevieve N., Goode, Ana D., Zischke, Jason, Abbott, Alison, Gunning, Lynn and Johnston, Venerina. 2023. "Online office ergonomics training programs: A scoping review examining design and user-related outcomes." Safety Science. 158. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2022.106000
Barriers and Facilitators Associated with Return to Work Following Minor to Serious Road Traffic Musculoskeletal Injuries: A Systematic Review
Abedi, Masoumeh, Gane, Elise, Aplin, Tammy, Zerguine, Haroun and Johnston, Venerina. 2022. "Barriers and Facilitators Associated with Return to Work Following Minor to Serious Road Traffic Musculoskeletal Injuries: A Systematic Review ." Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation. 32 (1), pp. 13-26. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-021-09994-3
Thirty Minutes Identified as the Threshold for Development of Pain in Low Back and Feet Regions, and Predictors of Intensity of Pain during 1-h Laboratory-Based Standing in Office Workers
Rodriguez-Romero, Beatriz, Smith, Michelle D., Pertega-Diaz, Sonia, Quintela-del-Rio, Alejandro and Johnston, Venerina. 2022. "Thirty Minutes Identified as the Threshold for Development of Pain in Low Back and Feet Regions, and Predictors of Intensity of Pain during 1-h Laboratory-Based Standing in Office Workers." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 19 (4), pp. 1-14. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19042221
Exploring the lived return-to-work experience of individuals with acquired brain injury: use of vocational services and environmental, personal and injury-related influences
Brakenridge, Charlotte L., Leow, Charmaine KaiLing, Kendall, Melissa, Turner, Ben, Valiant, Donna, Ray, Quinn and Johnston, Venerina. 2022. "Exploring the lived return-to-work experience of individuals with acquired brain injury: use of vocational services and environmental, personal and injury-related influences." Disability and Rehabilitation. 44 (16), pp. 4332-4342. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2021.1903101
Factors impacting workplace investment in sit-stand workstations from the perspective of purchasing decision-makers
Zerguine, Haroun, Goode, Ana D., Abbott, Alison, Johnston, Venerina and Healy, Genevieve N.. 2022. "Factors impacting workplace investment in sit-stand workstations from the perspective of purchasing decision-makers." Applied Ergonomics: human factors in technology and society. 98, pp. 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2021.103558
Evaluation of an exercise and ergonomics intervention for the prevention of neck pain in office workers: exploratory analysis of a cluster randomised trial
Johnston, Venerina, Jackson, Katherine, Welch, Alyssa, Sjogaard, Gisela, Comans, Tracy Ann, Straker, Leon, Melloh, Melloh, Gane, Elise, Bowe, Steve and O'Leary, Shaun. 2022. "Evaluation of an exercise and ergonomics intervention for the prevention of neck pain in office workers: exploratory analysis of a cluster randomised trial." Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 79 (11), pp. 767-774. https://doi.org/10.1136/oemed-2022-108275
A Multi-component Intervention (NEXpro) Reduces Neck Pain-Related Work Productivity Loss: A Randomized Controlled Trial Among Swiss Office Workers
Aegerter, Andrea Martina, Deforth, Manja, Volken, Thomas, Johnston, Venerina, Luomajoki, Hannu, Dressel, Holger, Dratva, Julia, Ernst, Markus Josef, Distler, Oliver, Brunner, Beatrice, Sjogaard, Gisela, Melloh, Markus, Elfering, Achim and NEXpro Collaboration Group. 2022. "A Multi-component Intervention (NEXpro) Reduces Neck Pain-Related Work Productivity Loss: A Randomized Controlled Trial Among Swiss Office Workers." Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation. 33 (2), pp. 288-300. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-022-10069-0
Daylight illumination compensation for in-field camera systems
Moore, Peter L.. 2022. Daylight illumination compensation for in-field camera systems. Masters Thesis Master of Science (Research). University of Southern Queensland. https://doi.org/10.26192/q7q96
Experiences of people with cancer who have participated in a hospital-based exercise program: a qualitative study
Ferri, Alessia, Gane, Elise M., Smith, Michelle D., Pinkham, Elizabeth P., Gomersall, Sjaan R. and Johnston, Venerina. 2021. "Experiences of people with cancer who have participated in a hospital-based exercise program: a qualitative study." Supportive Care in Cancer. 29 (3), pp. 1575-1583. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-020-05647-y
No Evidence for a Decrease in Physical Activity Among Swiss Office Workers During COVID-19: A Longitudinal Study
Aegerter, Andrea Martina, Deforth, Manja, Sjogaard, Gisela, Johnston, Venerina, Volken, Thomas, Luomajoki, Hannu, Dratva, Julia, Dressel, Holger, Distler, Oliver, Melloh, Markus, Elfering, Achim and NEXpro Collaboration Group. 2021. "No Evidence for a Decrease in Physical Activity Among Swiss Office Workers During COVID-19: A Longitudinal Study." Frontiers in Psychology. 12, pp. 1-10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.620307
A cluster-randomized trial of workplace ergonomics and neck-specific exercise versus ergonomics and health promotion for office workers to manage neck pain – a secondary outcome analysis
Johnston, Venerina, Chen, Xiaoqi, Welch, Alyssa, Sjogaard, Gisela, Comans, Tracy A., McStea, Megan, Straker, Leon, Melloh, Markus, Pereira, Michelle and O'Leary, Shaun. 2021. "A cluster-randomized trial of workplace ergonomics and neck-specific exercise versus ergonomics and health promotion for office workers to manage neck pain – a secondary outcome analysis ." BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 22 (1), pp. 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-021-03945-y
No evidence for an effect of working from home on neck pain and neck disability among Swiss office workers: Short-term impact of COVID-19
Aegerter, Andrea M., Deforth, Manja, Johnston, Venerina, Sjogaard, Gisela, Volken, Thomas, Luomajoki, Hannu, Dratva, Julia, Dressel, Holger, Distler, Oliver, Elfering, Achim, Melloh, Markus and NEXpro Collaboration Group. 2021. "No evidence for an effect of working from home on neck pain and neck disability among Swiss office workers: Short-term impact of COVID-19." European Spine Journal. 30 (6), pp. 1699-1707. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-021-06829-w
Visual symptoms, Neck/shoulder problems and associated factors among surgeons performing Minimally Invasive Surgeries (MIS): A comprehensive survey
Alhusuny, Ameer, Cook, Margaret, Khalil, Akram and Johnston, Venerina. 2021. "Visual symptoms, Neck/shoulder problems and associated factors among surgeons performing Minimally Invasive Surgeries (MIS): A comprehensive survey." International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health. 94 (5), pp. 959-979. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-020-01642-2
Interventions to Promote Work‐Focused Care by Healthcare Providers for Individuals with Musculoskeletal Conditions a Scoping Review
Xie, Yanfei, Hutting, Nathan, Bartys, Serena and Johnston, Venerina. 2021. "Interventions to Promote Work‐Focused Care by Healthcare Providers for Individuals with Musculoskeletal Conditions a Scoping Review ." Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation. 31 (4), pp. 840-865. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-021-09971-w
Work-Focused Health Care: The Role of Physical Therapists
Hutting, Nathan, Boucaut, Rose, Gross, Douglas P, Heerkens, Yvonne F Heerkens, Johnston, Venerina, Skamagki, Glykeria and Stigmar, Kjerstin. 2020. "Work-Focused Health Care: The Role of Physical Therapists." Physical Therapy. 100 (12), pp. 2231-2236. https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzaa166
Musculoskeletal Pain and Disability in Sonographers: More Than an Ergonomic Issue
Xie, Yanfei, Coombes, Brooke K., Thomas, Lucy and Johnston, Venerina. 2020. "Musculoskeletal Pain and Disability in Sonographers: More Than an Ergonomic Issue." Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography. 33 (12), pp. 1526-1527. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.echo.2020.07.005
Job strain and psychological distress in office workers: The role of coping
Jun, Deokhoon, O'Leary, Shaun, McPhail, Steven M. and Johnston, Venerina. 2019. "Job strain and psychological distress in office workers: The role of coping." Work. 64 (1), pp. 55-65. https://doi.org/10.3233/WOR-192968
Work in progress: remote experiment control through gesture recognition
Moore, Peter, Kist, Alexander A., Maiti, Ananda and Maxwell, Andrew D.. 2016. "Work in progress: remote experiment control through gesture recognition." 13th International Conference on Remote Engineering and Virtual Instrumentation (REV 2016). Madrid, Spain 24 - 26 Feb 2016 United States. https://doi.org/10.1109/REV.2016.7444507