Test-Retest Reliability and Responsiveness of the Computerized Adaptive Testing System of the Functional Assessment of Stroke.

OBJECTIVE:To examine the test-retest reliability, responsiveness, and clinical utility of the Computerized Adaptive Testing System of the Functional Assessment of Stroke (CAT-FAS) in persons with stroke. DESIGN:Repeated measurements design. SETTING:A department of rehabilitation in a medical center. PARTICIPANTS:30 persons with chronic stroke (for test-retest reliability) and 65 persons with subacute stroke (for responsiveness) were recruited. To examine the test-retest reliability, the participants received measurements twice at 1-month intervals. To examine the responsiveness, the data were collected at admission and discharge from hospital. INTERVENTIONS:Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT TOOL:CAT-FAS. RESULTS:The intra-class correlation coefficients of the CAT-FAS were ≥0.82, indicating good to excellent test-retest reliability. The Kazis' effect size and standardized response mean of the CAT-FAS were ≥0.96, indicating good group-level responsiveness. For individual-level responsiveness, approximately two-thirds of the participants exceeded the conditional minimal detectable change. On average, the CAT-FAS was completed within 9 items and 3 minutes per administration. CONCLUSIONS:Our results suggest the CAT-FAS is an efficient measurement tool with good to excellent test-retest reliability and responsiveness. In addition, the CAT-FAS can be used routinely in clinical settings to monitor progress of the crucial 4 domains for persons with stroke.