About the VISA-G
The VISA-G (Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment for Gluteal Tendinopathy) is a validated patient-reported outcome measure designed to assess the severity of disability in individuals with Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome. It consists of eight items that evaluate pain levels and functional limitations related to the hip. The total score ranges from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better function and less pain. This instrument is widely used in both clinical and research settings to monitor patient progress, evaluate treatment effectiveness, and provide standardised measurement of gluteal tendinopathy severity.
Medical Specialties
Anatomic Areas
Clinical Indications
Developer Information
The VISA-G was developed by a team of researchers led by Dr. Alison Grimaldi and colleagues at the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment. The development process involved extensive clinical expertise in gluteal tendinopathy, patient input, and rigorous psychometric testing to ensure the questionnaire accurately captures the impact of Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome on patients' lives. The original validation study was published in 2015, establishing the VISA-G as a reliable and valid condition-specific outcome measure.
Copyright & Licensing
The VISA-G is freely available for clinical and research use without licensing fees. Users should cite the original development and validation study when using the questionnaire in research publications or clinical documentation. No permission is required for clinical or research applications.
Administration Instructions
Answer each question about your hip pain during your typical activities. Consider any limitations you face and select the response that best describes your experience.
Scoring Methodology
The VISA-G comprises eight questions, each scored individually on specific scales. The total score is calculated by summing all individual item scores, resulting in a range from 0 to 100. Higher scores reflect better function and less disability. The questionnaire includes questions about pain during daily activities, functional limitations, and the ability to participate in physical activities. Each question uses a visual analogue scale or multiple-choice format, with scores weighted to reflect the clinical importance of different aspects of the condition. The questionnaire has demonstrated good reliability (test-retest reliability) and validity in assessing the severity of gluteal tendinopathy across diverse patient populations.
Meaningful Change Threshold
A change of approximately 6.9 to 18.4 points is considered the smallest detectable change (SDC), indicating a meaningful improvement or deterioration in the patient's condition. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) varies between studies, but changes of 10 points or more are generally considered clinically significant. Clinicians should interpret score changes in the context of individual patient presentations and treatment goals.
Score Interpretation
Understanding what your score means
severe
0 - 25Severe disability - significant impact on daily activities and quality of life
moderate
26 - 50Moderate disability - noticeable limitations in function and activities
mild
51 - 75Mild disability - some functional limitations but able to perform most activities
minimal
76 - 100Minimal to no disability - excellent function with little to no impact from symptoms
Clinical Limitations & Considerations
Whilst the VISA-G is a validated and reliable tool, it may not capture all aspects of disability experienced by individuals with Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome. The questionnaire focuses primarily on pain and functional limitations but may not fully assess psychological factors, quality of life impacts, or comorbid conditions. It should be used in conjunction with other clinical assessments, physical examinations, and imaging studies when appropriate. The applicability to diverse populations and cultural contexts requires further study. Additionally, as a self-reported measure, it is subject to response bias and may be influenced by patient expectations or recall bias.
Supporting Literature
Key validation and development studies for the VISA-G
- 1
Development and validation of a VISA tendinopathy questionnaire for greater trochanteric pain syndrome, the VISA-G
Fearon AM, Ganderton C, Scarvell JM, Smith PN, Neeman T, Nash C, Cook JL
Manual Therapy, 2015
Related Outcome Measures
Other clinical questionnaires for similar specialties and conditions
VISA-H
An index of the severity of proximal hamstring tendinopathy
VISA-A
An index assessing the severity of Achilles tendinopathy. Evaluates pain, function, and ability to participate in activities and sports. Scoring Breakdown: Questions 1-7 are scored out of 10 each (total 70). Question 8 (activity/pain) is scored out of 30. Total Score: 0-100.
VISA-A (Sedentary)
A modified version of the VISA-A questionnaire designed specifically for sedentary/non-sporting patients with Achilles tendinopathy. Replaces sport-specific questions (hopping, sporting activity) with daily functional activity questions. Two dimensions: Symptoms (Q1-5, 0-50) and Activity (Q6-8, 0-50). Total Score: 0-100.
VISA-P
An index of the severity of patellar tendinopathy
iHOT-12
The International Hip Outcome Tool 12 (iHOT-12) is a patient-reported outcome measure designed to assess health-related quality of life in young, active individuals with hip disorders. It comprises 12 items evaluating symptoms, functional limitations, sports participation, and quality of life.
Oxford Hip Score
A concise questionnaire evaluating hip-related pain and functional ability in patients undergoing total hip replacement.
This questionnaire is provided free of charge. Patient Watch charges only for platform services (data storage, automated reminders, analytics) - not for use of clinical instruments. This non-commercial model supports academic and clinical use. View full licensing disclosure