Psychometric properties of the Flemish version of the life balance inventory: a patient-reported outcome measure in the chronic stage after stroke

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate test-retest reliability, measurement error, and convergent validity of the Flemish version of the Life Balance Inventory (Fl-LBI) in chronic community-dwelling stroke survivors.

Methods: Stroke survivors living at home (>6 months post-stroke) were recruited. The Fl-LBI was administered twice (1st home-visit, 2nd postal), with a 1-week time interval.

Results: Thirty-two stroke-survivors participated: median age 61 years (IQR: 54–67), median time since stroke 571 days (IQR: 433–734). Median total Fl-LBI score was 2.47(IQR: 2.18–2.80) out of 3 on the first occasion (n = 32) and 2.55(IQR: 2.35–2.77) on the second occasion (n = 29), 91% retention rate. The intraclass correlation coefficient [95% confidence interval] for total Fl-LBI score was 0.88 [0.77–0.94] and for subscale scores >0.74 [0.48–0.94] indicating moderate to good test-retest reliability. Standard error of measurement was 0.14 out of 3(7%) and minimal detectable difference 0.39(20%). Agreement for activity category scores ranged from moderate to excellent. Construct validity was supported by moderate associations between Fl-LBI and participation (r_s = 0.46); mobility (r_s = 0.36) and emotion (r_s = 0.37) subscales of the Stroke Impact Scale.

Conclusion: In a pilot sample, the FL-LBI has satisfactory test-retest reliability, acceptable measurement error and minimal detectable difference and acceptable convergent validity. It can be used in clinical practice and research to assess life balance in chronic community-dwelling stroke survivors.

Implications for rehabilitation

• Life balance can be a useful concept in stroke rehabilitation; it corresponds to individuals’ perception of having a satisfying activity pattern tailored to their life circumstances.

• The Flemish version of the Life Balance Inventory can be used to evaluate life balance in community-dwelling chronic stroke.

• Satisfactory test-retest reliability and acceptable measurement error and minimal detectable difference were demonstrated in a pilot sample for the Flemish version of the Life Balance Inventory.

Keywords:

• Stroke
• life balance
• patient-reported outcome measure
• psychometric properties

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the European Life Balance Project team for providing the Flemish version of the Life Balance Inventory.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.