Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ): A Full Guide for Researchers and Clinicians
By ResRef
Published
Learn about the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire: what it measures, how it is scored and interpreted, and how researchers and clinicians use it.
Introduction
Low back pain affects millions worldwide, often leading to significant disability. Therefore, the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) stands out as an essential tool for quantifying this impact. Developed by Martin Roland and Richard Morris in 1983, this 24-item questionnaire focuses on physical disability caused by low back pain. With more than 4500 citations on Google Scholar and widespread use, its simplicity and strong psychometric properties make it a go-to resource for researchers and clinicians in rehabilitation and pain management. Moreover, over the years, it has been adapted and validated in various contexts, confirming its value.
Consequently, this article offers a comprehensive guide to the RMDQ, detailing its structure, applications, and clinical significance for enhancing patient outcomes.
Key Features of the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ)
Purpose and Use
The RMDQ measures self-reported disability related to low back pain. It consists of 24 items that evaluate how back pain affects daily activities. Unlike general disability scales, its targeted approach ensures relevance for patients with acute, subacute, or chronic low back pain.
Target Population
The RMDQ is designed for Adolescents and older who have low back pain, including:
Adolescents (13-17 years)Young Adults (18-24 years)Middle-Aged Adults (25-44 years)Older Adults (45-64 years)Seniors (+65 years)Patients in primary care, rehabilitation, or pain clinicsHowever, it is not validated for other types of pain or non-back-related disabilities.
Structure
The RMDQ includes 24 items with no subscales, focusing on functional limitations due to back pain. Each item is a statement (e.g., "I stay at home most of the time because of my back"), and respondents check those that apply to them today. This includes items on:
physical ability/activity (15)sleep/rest (3)psychosocial (2)household management (2)eating (1)pain frequency (1)Scoring Method
The RMDQ uses a simple yes/no format, where each applicable item scores 1 point, yielding a total score from 0 to 24—higher scores indicate greater disability. If an item is not applicable, it scores 0. For instance, no universal cut-off exists.
Administration Format
The RMDQ takes about 5 minutes to complete, ideal for busy settings. It can be administered via:
Paper-based formsDigital (online) platformsIn-person interviewsMobile appsPhone or video callsApplications of Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ)
The RMDQ has broad applications:
Screening: Identifies patients with significant functional limitations from low back pain.Monitoring: Tracks changes in disability over time or during treatments like physiotherapy.Treatment Planning: Helps tailor interventions based on score improvements.Research: Used in studies on low back pain outcomes and interventions.For example, researchers might employ it to evaluate the efficacy of spinal therapies, while clinicians use it to monitor patient progress.
Language and availability
To support global use, the RMDQ is available in over 50 languages, including:
ArabicChineseEnglishFrenchGermanJapaneseHindiPortugueseTurkishThis extensive availability facilitates its application in diverse cultural contexts.
The questionnaire is in the public domain, so no permission is required for use or reproduction.
Reliability and Validity
The RMDQ boasts excellent psychometric properties. For example, validation studies show high internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha typically ranges between 0.84-0.96 .Additionally, it demonstrates good test-retest reliability and sensitivity to change. Furthermore, its validity has been confirmed across cultures.
Original validation study: linkJapanese validation: linkTurkish validation: linkLimitations and Considerations
Despite its strengths, the RMDQ has a few limitations:
Self-Report: Responses may be influenced by social desirability bias or personal interpretation.Specific Focus: Limited to low back pain disability; not suitable for other conditions or postpartum use.Other Versions And Related Questionnaires
The RMDQ complements other tools:
Modified versions: RMDQ-18, RMDQ-23 for shorter assessments.Oswestry Disability Index (ODI): Another low back pain measure, often used alongside RMDQ for comprehensive evaluation.Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale: Focuses on similar functional aspects.Additional Resources
For more information on the RMDQ, explore these resources:
Original Validation Study: linkYou can access the questionnaire through this linkFor additional RMDQ resources, consult the RMDQ websiteFrequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can use the RMDQ?Clinicians, researchers, and healthcare providers use the RMDQ for adolescents aged 13 and older with low back pain.
How long does it take to complete the RMDQ?Patients typically complete it in about 5 minutes, making it suitable for busy clinical settings.
How is the RMDQ administered?Healthcare teams can administer it via paper, digital, mobile app, or interview formats, offering flexibility.
Is there any cost to using the RMDQ?The RMDQ is free for all uses, as it is in the public domain. No permission is necessary.
A word from ResRef about Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ)
The Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) is a validated instrument designed to assess disability in low back pain patients. Its concise format and strong psychometric properties make it suitable for both clinical and research settings. By addressing key functional limitations, the RMDQ aids in early detection and management of low back pain disability, contributing to better patient outcomes.
References
Roland, M. O., & Morris, R. W. (1983). A study of the natural history of back pain. Part I: Development of a reliable and sensitive measure of disability in low-back pain. Spine, 8(2), 141–144. linkRoland, M., & Fairbank, J. (2000). The Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire and the Oswestry Disability Questionnaire. Spine, 25(24), 3115–3124. linkSuzukamo Y, Fukuhara S, Kikuchi S, Konno S, Roland M, Iwamoto Y, Nakamura T; Committee on Science Project, Japanese Orthopaedic Association. Validation of the Japanese version of the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire. J Orthop Sci. 2003;8(4):543-8. doi: 10.1007/s00776-003-0679-x. PMID: 12898308. linkKüçükdeveci, A. A., Tennant, A., Elhan, A. H., & Niyazoglu, H. (2001). Validation of the Turkish version of the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire for use in low back pain. Spine, 26(24), 2738–2743. link