MobQoL-7D: A preference-based measure of mobility-related quality of life

The MobQoL-7D is a validated measure of mobility-related quality of life. It consists of an outcome measure survey and a preference-based scoring calculator. The validated survey is available in English and Welsh:

The MobQoL-7D is free to use for non-commercial purposes. For further details please read the licence terms.

The Mobility and Quality of Life 7 Dimension (MobQoL-7D) outcome measure offers a valid and reliable approach to measuring the health-related quality of life of individuals with impaired mobility. This novel health state classification system has been developed specifically to generate health state utility values and to measure patient-reported outcomes in the context of mobility impairment. A preference-based scoring system has been developed to allow QALY calculation using the MobQoL-7D.  

The MobQoL-7D contains seven dimensions of mobility-related quality of life:

  1. Accessibility
  2. Contribution (such as contributing at home, work, education or in the community)
  3. Pain and discomfort
  4. Independence
  5. Self-esteem (including identity, confidence and self-consciousness)
  6. Mood and emotions
  7. Anxiety (such as feelings of worry or stress)

How to use the MobQoL-7D

The MobQoL-7D is quick and simple to complete, and can be used in both research and clinical practice. The questionnaire survey contains only seven questions and can be completed in less than 5 minutes. If the intended purpose is to monitor changes in health outcomes, we recommend three months between repeating data collection, although this is not a strict requirement
In order to calculate a summary score please use the provided scoring calculator. This produces a score between 0 and 1, where 0 represents the worst possible mobility-related health state and 1 represents the best possible mobility-related health state. The preference-based scoring calculator contains two distinct UK value sets (i.e. scoring algorithms) - the first was developed from a representative sample of the UK population, and the second from a balanced sample of individuals with impaired mobility. The most appropriate value set for your data will depend on the intended use of the MobQoL-7D. If patient/user experience is of most importance, then the impaired mobility value set will likely be the most appropriate; if societal preferences are of most importance, then the general population value set may be more appropriate. The chosen value set can be swapped at any time to allow comparison of the outcomes without having to re-enter data.

Translations and other versions of the MobQoL-7D

At present the MobQoL-7D has only been validated for use in adults, however we are planning to develop a child version.
The survey has been translated into a range of other languages; each version has been professionally translated, edited and separately evaluated by a native speaker. However, formal peer-reviewed validation of the translated versions has only been carried out on the Welsh version, therefore the validity and reliability of the other translations cannot be guaranteed. Noting this caveat, the unvalidated translated surveys are available below (surveys are password protected to avoid alteration, please open in ‘read-only’ mode):

If you wish to develop a validated translation of the MobQoL-7D please contact the project team using the contact details below

How was the MobQoL-7D developed?

The MobQoL-7D was developed as part of the MobQoL Project. This project was designed to find out how mobility (or being able to get around) affects quality of life. The term ‘quality of life’ can mean lots of different things, such as happiness, life satisfaction and well-being. We interviewed a wide range of people with impaired mobility to understand what quality of life means to them, and how mobility influences their overall quality of life. Piloting and psychometric validation were also undertaken. We used this information to develop a new outcome measure tool for measuring mobility-related quality of life, which we call the MobQoL-7D.

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Are there any publications about the MobQoL-7D?

We have published a number of scientific papers about the development of the MobQoL-7D, please see below:

  • Development of the MobQoL descriptive system: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32208059/
    • Citation: Bray N, Spencer LH, Tuersley L, Edwards RT. Development of the MobQoL patient reported outcome measure for mobility-related quality of life. Disabil Rehabil. 2020;24:1-10.
  • Piloting and validation of the MobQoL-7D: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33180652/
    • Citation: Bray N, Tudor Edwards R. Preference-based measurement of mobility-related quality of life: developing the MobQoL-7D health state classification system. Disabil Rehabil. 2020;12:1-15.
  • Development of a preference-based scoring system: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38206178/
    • Citation: Bray N, Edwards RT, Schneider P. Development of a value-based scoring system for the MobQoL-7D: a novel tool for measuring quality-adjusted life years in the context of mobility impairment. Disabil Rehabil. 2024;1–10.
  • Systematic review of preference-based measures in congenital mobility impairment: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32318840/
    • Citation: Bray N, Spencer LH, Edwards RT. Preference-based measures of health-related quality of life in congenital mobility impairment: a systematic review of validity and responsiveness. Health Econ Rev. 2020;21;10(1):9.

Where can I get more information?

If you want to know more about the MobQoL project or would like to take part in future research please phone, e-mail or write to us using the contact details below. We are more than happy to answer any questions you have. The project has been funded by the Welsh Government through Health and Care Research Wales.

Contact details:

Dr Nathan Bray
ALPHAcademy
School of Medical and Health Sciences
College of Human Sciences
Fron Heulog
Bangor University
Bangor, LL57 2EF

Mobile: 07792670053
Landline: 01248 382814
Email: n.bray@bangor.ac.uk
Twitter: @drnathanbray
For more information about Dr Nathan Bray, MobQoL Principal Investigator, please see here.