The reliability, distribution, and responsiveness of the Postural Control and Balance for Stroke Test.

Abstract

To determine the inter- and intrarater reliability of the Postural Control and Balance for Stroke (PCBS) test and to assess its distribution and responsiveness to changes during 1-year follow-up. Intrarater reliability of the PCBS test was assessed by comparing the repeat ratings of videotaped test performances by each of the 5 raters. Interrater reliability was assessed by comparing the ratings of the videotaped test performances between the raters. Hospital neurologic ward and outpatient department of physiotherapy as well as health centers in Finland. Fifty stroke patients (age range, 42-89 y) were measured 7, 120, and 360 days poststroke for the study of distribution and responsiveness and 19 patients (age range, 55-85 y) were measured during a period between 7 and 60 days poststroke for the reliability study. Not applicable. The distributions of the scores of the PCBS test, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and weighted kappa values, and Wilcoxon matched-pairs tests. The PCBS test had limited floor and ceiling effects at 7, 120, and 360 days poststroke. The differences between scores 7 and 120 days poststroke were significant (P<.001). The differences between scores 120 and 360 days poststroke were not significant (P>.05). The Cronbach alpha for all the items combined was .96. The ICC values for the interrater and intrarater reliability of the PCBS test were .94 and .96, respectively. The PCBS test showed an acceptable level of reliability and the responsiveness results indicated a good level before 120 days but not between 120 and 360 days after stroke.