Background: Functional ambulation classification (FAC) is a fast and simple 6-point scale, which classifies patients according to their walking ability. It assesses independency and/or level of human support or supervision the patient requires to walk. It is used in clinical practice and research in different health conditions. The aim of the study was to establish intra- and inter-rater reliability of Slovenian translation of FAC in assessment of patients after stroke. Methods: 18 patients after stroke, included in rehabilitation, participated in the study. Six raters simultaneously assessed the subject by Slovenian translation of FAC with real-time observation. The assessment by observation of video records was repeated after one week. To establish intra-rater and inter-rater reliability the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated. Results: Excellent intra-rater reliability (ICC 0.948 – 1.000) and inter-rater reliability in the first (ICC = 0.987) and the second (ICC = 0.978) assessment were found. Conclusions: The Slovenian translation of FAC is clear and has excellent intra- and inter-rater reliability. Its use is recommended in addition to the other standardised measurement tools for assessment of walking ability in patients after stroke.
|