Absolute and relative intrarater reliability of the modified motor assessment scale according to Uppsala academic hospital -99

Abstract

Background: For some of the most commonly used motor measures, psychometric properties, and minimal detectable change (MDC95) remain largely unknown, limiting the interpretability of tests. Objective: The aim was to establish intrarater reliability, MDC95 and floor- and ceiling effects for a modified version of the Motor Assessment Scale (M-MAS UAS-99). Methods: Data was derived from an intervention study that enrolled 41 individuals with chronic stroke. Test scores from two subsequent assessments with 3 weeks apart were used for establishing the floor and ceiling effect, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC[2,1]), standard error mean (SEM) and the MDC95 for the total score, and subdomains of the M-MAS UAS-99. Results: The intrarater reliability was excellent with an ICC[2,1] between 0.970 and 0.995 for both total score and subdomains. The MDC95 for the M-MAS UAS-99 total score was 1.22 which means ≥ 2.0 points on an individual basis. For bed mobility subdomain, a ceiling effect was seen, but not for the total score of the test. No floor effect was seen for the test. Conclusion: M-MAS UAS-99 has excellent intrarater reliability. Any individual increase in test scores must reach 2.0 to be considered a true change.