Test-retest reliability and measurement error of the modified gait efficacy scale in individuals with stroke

Purpose To investigate the test-retest reliability and measurement error of the Brazilian version of the modified Gait Efficacy scale (mGES-Brazil) in individuals who have had stroke. Methods The mGES-Brazil was applied on two occasions, five to seven days apart, in a research laboratory setting. Test-retest reliability and measurement error, which included the standard error of measurement (SEM), smallest detectable change (SDC), and analysis of the limits of agreement by the Bland-Altman plots, were examined. Results Fifty individuals who have had stroke (18 men), with a mean age of 64 +/- 11 years, were evaluated. All individual items showed good reliability (Intra-class Correlation Coefficient - ICC2,1 > 0.90). The ICC was 0.98 (95% CI 0.97 to 0.99) and the Bland and Altman plots revealed no systematic changes in the mean test-retest scores. The SEM (SEM%) was 3 (5%), within the recommended values, while the SDC was 8 points. Conclusion The mGES-Brazil demonstrated to be reliable to be applied within clinical and research contexts for the assessment of changes in walking confidence of individuals who have had stroke. Changes in mGES scores >= 8 points reflect real changes.