A Novel Multiple-Cue Observational Clinical Scale for Functional Evaluation of Gait After Stroke - The Stroke Mobility Score (SMS).

BACKGROUND For future development of machine learning tools for gait impairment assessment after stroke, simple observational whole-body clinical scales are required. Current observational scales regard either only leg movement or discrete overall parameters, neglecting dysfunctions in the trunk and arms. The purpose of this study was to introduce a new multiple-cue observational scale, called the stroke mobility score (SMS). MATERIAL AND METHODS In a group of 131 patients, we developed a 1-page manual involving 6 subscores by Delphi method using the video-based SMS: trunk posture, leg movement of the most affected side, arm movement of the most affected side, walking speed, gait fluency and stability/risk of falling. Six medical raters then validated the SMS on a sample of 60 additional stroke patients. Conventional scales (NIHSS, Timed-Up-And-Go-Test, 10-Meter-Walk-Test, Berg Balance Scale, FIM-Item L, Barthel Index) were also applied. RESULTS (1) High consistency and excellent inter-rater reliability of the SMS were verified (Cronbach's alpha >0.9). (2) The SMS subscores are non-redundant and reveal much more nuanced whole-body dysfunction details than conventional scores, although evident correlations as e.g. between 10-Meter-Walk-Test and subscore "gait speed" are verified. (3) The analysis of cross-correlations between SMS subscores unveils new functional interrelationships for stroke profiling. CONCLUSIONS The SMS proves to be an easy-to-use, tele-applicable, robust, consistent, reliable, and nuanced functional scale of gait impairments after stroke. Due to its sensitivity to whole-body motion criteria, it is ideally suited for machine learning algorithms and for development of new therapy strategies based on instrumented gait analysis.

Cross-cultural adaption and validation of the German version of the Mini-BESTest in individuals after stroke: an observational study.

BACKGROUND: Postural control is a very important function in everyday life. However, assessing postural control with commonly used measurement instruments (MIs) is limited due to deficits in their psychometric properties. The Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest) is a comprehensive and multidimensional MI for assessing postural control in persons with limited balance function, such as individuals after stroke. Despite the increasing use of the Mini-BESTest worldwide, no German version is available. RESEARCH QUESTION: Is the German version of the Mini-BESTest (GVMBT) comprehensible and valid for measuring postural control in individuals after stroke? METHODS: The Mini-BESTest was translated and cross-culturally adapted, following established guidelines. It was pilot-tested with ten participants. This observational measurement and validation study was conducted at one point and included 50 participants with subacute and chronic stroke (mean age: 64.58 ± 13.34 years/ 34 men/ 16 women). Convergent validity was investigated using 1) the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and 2) the Timed "Up & Go" (TUG). The MIs were evaluated for normal distribution with the calculation of skewness, kurtosis and Q-Q-Plots. Spearman correlation coefficients and Bland Altman analysis were used to examine the relationship between the MIs. The internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. RESULTS: Comprehension of the GVMBT was confirmed. The GVMBT correlated significantly with the BBS (rs = 0.93) and the TUG (rs = - 0.85). Bland Altman analysis revealed low absolute differences. The GVMBT demonstrated no significant floor or ceiling effects and showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.90). SIGNIFICANCE: The GVMBT has excellent validity and internal consistency. Due to this and its specific subcategories, the GVMBT is recommended for the use in research and clinical practice. Further psychometric properties should be evaluated.