London Chest Activity of Daily Living: Reliability and Validity of the European Portuguese Version in Heart Failure Patients

TL;DR

This study validates the European Portuguese version of the LCADL scale for assessing daily living limitations in heart failure patients.

Contribution

The study provides cultural validation and reliability evidence for the LCADL scale in the European Portuguese context.

Findings

The LCADL scale showed strong reliability with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.917.

The LCADL total score correlated significantly with the 6MWT and MLHFQ.

The domestic activities dimension showed a weaker correlation with the MLHFQ.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The common heart failure (HF) symptoms—dyspnea, fatigue, and edema—often prompt emergency visits. Dyspnea notably affects activities of daily living (ADLs), making its assessment crucial for evaluating therapeutic success. This study assesses the reliability and validity of the European Portuguese version of the London Chest Activity of Daily Living (LCADL) scale, originally validated in 2010, to evaluate ADL limitations in patients with HF. Methods: Following international guidelines for translation and cultural adaptation, 46 patients with HF from two cardiology departments were enrolled. The Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) were used for construct validity. Results: A significant correlation was found between the results of the 6MWT and the LCADL total score (r = −0.504; p < 0.001) and the LCADL scale and the MLHFQ (r = 0.703; p < 0.001), except for the domestic activities dimension (r = 0.278; p = 0.062). Reliability revealed an α of 0.917. Conclusions: The study presents the validation of the European Portuguese version of the LCADL scale in patients with HF, emphasizing its reliability and cultural appropriateness. The LCADL scale has proven effective in assessing dyspnea-induced limitations in ADLs, and this study expands its utility by suggesting broader clinical setting applications. Future research should explore its adaptability in diverse healthcare settings, potentially enhancing personalized care strategies and patient outcomes. This work underscores the LCADL scale’s role in facilitating more targeted and effective interventions for managing ADL limitations in patients with HF, suggesting a significant impact on clinical practices and patient care management.

Figures