Turkish translation of the Modified JOA for cervical myelopathy
Validity, Reliability, and Clinical Correlation Study of the Turkish Translation of the Modified JOA (Japanese Orthopedic Association) Cervical Myelopathy Score
This project will test whether a Turkish version of the Modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score reliably measures neurologic function in adults with degenerative cervical myelopathy.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 70 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Izmir Democracy University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Buca, İzmir) |
| Trial ID | NCT07448883 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This prospective, cross-sectional validation will culturally adapt the mJOA using standardized forward–backward translation and apply it to Turkish-speaking adults with clinically or MRI-confirmed degenerative cervical myelopathy. Participants recruited from outpatient clinics will complete the Turkish mJOA while clinicians record neurological findings; analyses will test reliability (inter-rater and test–retest), internal consistency, and construct validity. The study excludes patients with traumatic, neoplastic, infectious, or inflammatory spinal cord disorders, prior cervical surgery, or severe cognitive impairment. Results will determine whether the Turkish mJOA correlates with clinical severity and is suitable for routine clinical and research use.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Turkish-speaking adults (≥18 years) with clinically and/or MRI-confirmed degenerative cervical myelopathy who can provide informed consent and complete the forms.
Not a fit: Patients with spinal cord dysfunction due to trauma, tumor, infection, inflammatory disease, prior cervical surgery, severe cognitive impairment, or who do not speak Turkish are unlikely to benefit from this specific validation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, clinicians and patients in Turkey will have a reliable, standardized Turkish mJOA to measure disease severity, guide treatment decisions, and compare outcomes across centers.
How similar studies have performed: The mJOA has been translated and validated in several other languages with generally good reliability and validity, so this applies an established approach to Turkish.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18 years and older * Patients diagnosed with degenerative cervical myelopathy using clinical or magnetic resonance imaging * Able to provide written informed consent to participate in the study * Cognitive competence to understand Turkish forms and scales Exclusion Criteria: * Spinal cord injury due to trauma, tumor, infection, inflammatory diseases, etc., pathologies * Previous cervical surgery * Severe cognitive impairment or communication problems that would prevent participation in the study * Subjects who were informed about the study but refused to participate
Where this trial is running
Buca, İzmir
- Izmir Democracy University — Buca, İzmir, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Kadir Songür, Assoc. Prof.
- Email: kadir.93@gmail.com
- Phone: +905054529231
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.