Acceptability and practicality of a Spanish translation of paediatric Gait Arms Legs and Spine (pGALS) in Peruvian children

BACKGROUND: The paediatric Gait, Arms, Legs and Spine (pGALS) musculoskeletal examination tool is validated for use in school-aged English Speaking children and shown to be practical and effective in acute paediatric practice in the UK and Malawi. Our aim was to assess the acceptability and practicality of a Spanish translation of pGALS in an acute paediatric setting in Peru. FINDINGS: Fifty-three school-aged children presenting to Hospital Regional de Loreto, Peru were recruited to undergo a pGALS examination using a Spanish translation of the instructions. The pGALS examination was completed in 92.5% (49/53), with the time taken (median 4.42 minutes) being acceptable to most parents (98.1%, 52/53). Most children (88.7%, 47/53), found the pGALS examination caused ‘little’ or ‘no additional discomfort’. Using pGALS, significant findings were observed in 18/53 (34%) children; these related to fractures (4/18), hypermobility (4/18), infectious causes (5/18) and soft tissue trauma (5/18). CONCLUSION: Using this Spanish translation, pGALS assessment was practical, acceptable and effective in detecting musculoskeletal changes in many children. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1546-0096-12-48) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.