To determine the reliability of the Mongolian version of lumbar spine instability questionnaire

Abstract

Background: Lumbar spine stability is maintained by three distinct yet interconnected systems that control intersegmental stability. Lumbar spine instability is a primary cause of low back pain and a significant contributor to disability. Globally, the “Lumbar Spine Instability Questionnaire (LSIQ)” is widely utilized in clinical practice. This validated tool is effective not only for patients with confirmed lumbar instability but also for individuals experiencing general low back pain. Aim: To determine the Mongolian version of the LSIQ and evaluate its reliability. Materials and Methods: The translation process commenced after obtaining permission from the original copyright holder of the LSIQ. Following Beaton’s five-stage guidelines for cross-cultural adaptation of self-report measures, a preliminary Mongolian version was developed. Ethical approval was granted by the Research Ethics Committee of the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences (MNUMS) on November 21, 2025 (Decision No. 25-26/03-01). A total of 68 participants were initially recruited, with 5 excluded based on exclusion criteria. The final 63 participants with non-specific low back pain completed the Mongolian LSIQ. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS-27.0. Results: Internal consistency of the Mongolian LSIQ, assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, was alpha=0.85, indicating good reliability. Test-retest reliability, evaluated over a 24-hour interval using the Intraclass Correlation CoefÏcient (ICC), yielded ICC=0.999 (95% CI:0.999–1.000, p<0.001), demonstrating excellent stability and reliability of the instrument. Conclusion: The Mongolian version of the Lumbar Spine Instability Questionnaire (M-LSIQ) is clear in content and possesses high internal consistency and reliability. The results indicate that the LSIQ is a reliable and stable tool for assessing lumbar instability in the Mongolian clinical setting, meeting the necessary diagnostic standards for effective evaluation.