Validation of the Reintegration to Normal Living Index for community-dwelling persons with chronic spinal cord injury.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the validity (construct, concurrent) of the Reintegration to Normal Living (RNL) Index for measurement of community participation in adults with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI).


METHODS
Cross-sectional telephone survey.


METHODS
Rehabilitation institute.


METHODS
Community-dwelling adult men and women (N=617) with SCI who were at least 1 year postinjury.


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
RNL Index and Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS).


RESULTS
Reliability of the RNL Index was determined by using Cronbach α, and construct validity was established through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). In addition, general linear models to predict RNL Index scores were conducted to establish concurrent validity. The RNL Index is a reliable measure of community participation (α=.87). CFA analyses suggested that the RNL Index loads onto a 2-factor solution and is distinct from the SWLS. Significant predictors of RNL Index score included years post-injury, impairment, ambulatory status, employment, and poor health, which yielded R(2)=.26 (P<.001).


CONCLUSIONS
The RNL Index is a valid and reliable measure of community participation for persons with chronic SCI of traumatic cause.
Lyndhurst Centre, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. hitzig.sander@torontorehab.on.ca
Sander L
SL
Hitzig
E Manolo
EM
Romero Escobar
Luc
L
Noreau
B Catharine
BC
Craven
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D008019:Life Style; D016014:Linear Models; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009864:Ontario; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation; D011788:Quality of Life; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012016:Reference Values; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult