The Stroke Activity Scale: Results of a validity study

Abstract

Purpose. To establish the concurrent validity and time to complete of the Stroke Activity Scale (SAS) a recently developed stroke motor disability scale designed for use in a busy clinical setting.

Method. Forty-one stroke patients with residual hemiplegia were recruited and assessed on a single occasion using both the SAS (five items) and modified Motor Assessment Scale (MMAS) (eight items) by a research physiotherapist. Performance was videotaped and assessed subsequently by a second physiotherapist.

Results. Pearson's correlation coefficient between the two measures was 0.91. The SAS was significantly quicker to complete than the MMAS (2.8 vs. 10.4 min, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion. The SAS had high concurrent validity with the MMAS but was much quicker to complete and therefore more suitable for use in clinical environments where time is at a premium.

Keywords:

• Stroke
• assessment
• measurement
• disability
• concurrent validity