Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation, and Validation of the Simplified Chinese Version of Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 6.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the latest Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 6 (SCAT6) into simplified Chinese.

DESIGN

This study adopted a mixed design with both qualitative and quantitative methods. The quantitative part of the study adopted a repeated measures design.

SETTING

The translation and revision process were completed through online communications. The validation process was performed in person at the athletes' normal training facilities.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty-two healthcare professionals and twenty-one athletes were invited into the expert panel and end-user panel for the qualitative part of the study. Thirty-nine elite or collegiate athletes were included in the quantitative part of the study.

INDEPENDENT VARIABLES

No independent variables were assumed in the translation and the expert appraisal processes. Administrators were the independent variables for the inter-rater study and the testing sessions for the test-retest study.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Expert opinions were collected during the translation and appraisal process. Testing scores and time of completion were obtained from test-retest study and inter-rater examinations.

RESULTS

Revision and alterations of the Chinese SCAT6 and supplementary materials were made according to the reviews from experts and end users. The internal consistency and the inter-rater reliability of the simplified Chinese SCAT6 for all subscales were excellent [intraclass correlation (ICC) ranged from 0.83 to 0.999], the test-retest reliability for all subscales were moderate to excellent (ICC ranged from 0.51 to 0.92). The average time to complete was 20.2 ± 3.5 minutes.

CONCLUSION

The simplified Chinese SCAT6 is a valid sport concussion assessment instrument for mainland China end users.