A Critical Review of the Psychometric Properties of the Nijmegen Questionnaire for Hyperventilation Syndrome
Date
Authors
Ogilvie, V
Kersten, P
Supervisor
Item type
Journal Article
Degree name
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Physiotherapy New Zealand | Kōmiri Aotearoa
Abstract
The Nijmegen Questionnaire is commonly used by physiotherapists and other health professionals in clinical and research settings. This outcome measure was developed by researchers at the Nijmegen University in the Netherlands as a screening tool for the hyperventilation syndrome in the 1980s. However, the literature that supports the efficacy of its use is scarce. This paper examines the evidence in relation to the conceptual basis, validity, and reliability of the Nijmegen Questionnaire. A systematic review of the literature was carried out to identify studies that are related to the above measurement properties for the questionnaire. Studies identified were evaluated for their methodological qualities using the COSMIN checklist. The clinical utility of this instrument is also discussed. Issues associated with the development and validating process of this outcome measure are identified. There is also a lack of evidence in cultural validation given that the Nijmegen Questionnaire was developed in the Netherlands. While this is the only questionnaire currently available that is designed specifically for the screening of hyperventilation syndrome, administrators need to be aware of the issues identified in relation to validity and reliability when interpreting the results. Applying more robust validating processes to establish the efficacy of the Nijmegen Questionnaire appears to be a priority for researchers to improve the quality of health services for individuals suffering from hyperventilation syndrome.Description
Keywords
1103 Clinical Sciences, 4201 Allied health and rehabilitation science, Nijmegen questionnaire, Hyperventilation, Outcome measurement, Reliability, Validity
Source
New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy, 43(1).
Publisher's version
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The New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy is registered on Scopus, and since 2012, has offered Open Access publication of all content. Present and future journal articles are freely accessible as well as past journals that have been published from 2012 onwards. There are no author fees for publication.