The measurement properties of modified Rivermead mobility index and modified functional ambulation classification as outcome measures for Chinese stroke patients

Abstract

Valid, reliable, responsive and practical outcome measures are essential for treatment planning and outcome assessment. This study aimed to examine the measurement properties of Modified Rivermead Mobility Index (MRMI) and Modified Functional Ambulation Classification (MFAC) in Chinese stroke patients. The content validity, responsiveness, predictive validity, test–retest reliability, internal consistency and factor structure of the MRMI were examined. The content validity, discriminative power and inter-rater agreement of the MFAC were investigated. A total of 456 Chinese stroke patients were recruited. Evidence of good content validity, high responsiveness, adequate predictive validity, excellent test–retest reliability with 1.3-point as minimum detectable change in 95% confidence interval, high internal consistency and unidimensionality was obtained for the MRMI. Good content validity, sufficient discriminative power and excellent inter-rater agreement were demonstrated for the MFAC. Both the MRMI and MFAC have good to excellent measurement properties and are recommended as routine outcome measures for Chinese stroke patients.

• Measurement properties
• outcome measures
• stroke

Acknowledgments

The Physiotherapy Working Group on Stroke Rehabilitation would like to thank all those physiotherapists of the 22 Physiotherapy Departments of the Hong Kong Hospital Authority for participating in the data collection of the study. Gratitude is also directed to Mr. Charles Cheung and Mr. Raymond Lo for their participation in the working group during the study.