title: Measurement of dyspnea: word labeled visual analog scale vs. verbal ordinal scale.
abstract: We previously used a verbal ordinal rating scale to measure dyspnea. That scale was easy for subjects to use and the words provided consistency in ratings. We have recently developed a word labeled visual analog scale (LVAS) with labels placed by the subjects, retaining the advantages of a verbal scale while offering a continuous scale that generates parametric data. In a retrospective meta-analysis of data from 43 subjects, individuals differed little in their placement of words on the 100 mm LVAS (mean+/-S.D. for slight=20+/-2.5 mm, moderate=50+/-5 mm and severe=80+/-6 mm) and ratings were distributed uniformly along the scale. A significant stimulus-response correlation was obtained for both the LVAS (r(2)=0.98) and for the verbal ordinal scale (Spearman r=0.94). The resolution of the two scales differed only slightly. With meaningful verbal anchors, well-defined end-points, and clear instructions about the specific sensation to be rated, both scales provide valid measures of dyspnea.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, USA.
authors.forename: Robert W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Lansing
authors.forename: Shakeeb H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Moosavi
authors.forename: Robert B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Banzett
mesh_terms: D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000145:classification* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D006935:Hypercapnia / Q000523:psychology; D007807:Language Tests; D008297:Male; D010465:Perception; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012119:Respiration; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012677:Sensation; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States; D012122:Ventilators, Mechanical; D014939:Work of Breathing