Measurement properties of performance-based instruments for assessing mental function during activity and participation in persons with stroke: A systematic review

Abstract

Background

Various performance-based instruments exist to assess mental function after stroke and users have to select one for research or clinical practice.

Objectives

To evaluate the measurement properties of performance-based instruments to assess (any aspect of) mental function during activity and participation in persons after stroke.

Material and methods

We searched in five electronic databases. COSMIN methodology was used to conduct the review. The strength of evidence was assessed using a modified GRADE approach.

Results

Fifty articles were included reporting on 20 instruments assessing (1) multiple mental functions including ≥ four subdomains (2) attention, memory and executive functions, or single subdomains (3) executive functions, (4) perception, and (5) mental function of language. Highest quality evidence for sufficient results was found for some measurement properties in seven instruments. These instruments included: FIM + FAM, MPAI-4 and EFPT, MET, CBS/KF-NAP, BIT and the Scenario Test.

Conclusions

Further studies of high methodological quality are needed that evaluate the measurement properties of instruments to allow clinicians and researchers to select the most suitable performance-based measures for purpose.

Significance

Results may be used to select the most suitable performance-based instrument to measure mental function during activity and participation in persons with stroke.

Trial registration number

PROSPERO CRD42018086744.

Keywords:

• Stroke
• cognition
• measurement properties
• validity
• reliability
• ICF
• rehabilitation

Acknowledgements

The authors thank the health science librarian Marie Oesterbye, who assisted with the development of the search strategy.

Ethics

No ethical approval is required.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The review was initiated and funded by the Department of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark, and the Research Foundation of Aarhus University Hospital.