The Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients: translation into Norwegian, cultural adaptation, and examination of reliability

Abstract

Background: To translate the Modified Swedish version of Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke (SwePASS) into Norwegian (SwePASS-NV) and assess its intra- and interrater reliability. <br> <br> Methods: Translation and cross-cultural adaptation was accomplished according to international guidelines. Forty-seven adults, suffering a stroke within the last six months, were strategically recruited and allocated into groups according to five different levels of function. Their performance on SwePASS-NV was video-recorded and then scored by three raters twice, with a minimum of 4 weeks between sessions. Relative reliability was investigated by calculating intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC1.1 and ICC3.1). Absolute reliability was analysed using within-subject standard deviation (Sw) and smallest detectable difference (SDD). For individual items, Cohen’s kappa (k) and percentage of agreement were calculated. <br> <br> Results: The study showed excellent intra- and interrater reliability (ICC1.1 and ICC3.1 ≥.99) for SwePASS-NV. K-values for the individual items ranged between 0.68–1.00. Percentages of agreement ranged from 77-100%. SDD at 95% confidence interval was ≤ 2 points for intrarater assessments and ≤ 3 points for interrater assessments. <br> <br> Conclusion: This study demonstrated very high intra- and interrater reliability of the SwePASS-NV in adults within the first six months after stroke. All items showed very high or high agreement.