Table 1

Adjustments of expressions and items made during the process of translating the item bank

Source item

Dutch version; English equivalent

Final Dutch version

Reason for adaptation

Are you able to walk a block on flat ground?

Are you able to walk 150 meter on flat ground?

Kunt u 150 meter lopen op vlakke ondergrond?

'Block' is a poorly understood concept in Dutch.

Are you able to push open a door after turning the knob?

Are you able to push open a door after pushing down the latch?

Kunt u een deur open duwen na nadat u de klink naar beneden heeft geduwd?

Doors in the Netherlands do not have knob-type door operating mechanisms.

Are you able to pour liquid from a bottle into a glass?

Are you able to pour water from a bottle into a glass?

Kunt u water vanuit een fles in een glas schenken?

The word 'liquid' is mostly used to refer to a specific state of matter, rather than something that can be drunk.

Are you able to reach into a high cupboard?

Are you able to retrieve something from a high cupboard?

Kunt u iets uit een hoog keukenkastje pakken?

To reach into is not directly translatable to Dutch.

Are you able to reach into a low cupboard?

Are you able to retrieve something from a low cupboard?

Kunt u iets uit een laag keukenkastje pakken?

To reach into is not directly translatable to Dutch.

Oude Voshaar et al. Arthritis Research & Therapy 2012 14:R47   doi:10.1186/ar3760