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. © 2014 abernethy et al.; licensee biomed central ltd.