Purpose：The examine the reliability and validity of the modified Emory Functional Ambulation Profile(mEFAP) for assessing gait function in chronic stroke patients.
Methods：A total of 45 stroke patients, who had a stroke more than 6 months, participated in the study. Reliability was determined by Intra-class Correlation Coefficient(ICC3,1), including Bland and Altman method (Standard Error of Measurement: SEM, Small Real Differences: SRD). Validity was examined by correlating results to the gait ability(mEFAP, Modified Motor Assessment Scale-Gait(MMAS-G), Scandinavian Stroke Scale- Gait(SSS-G), Functional Ambulation Category(FAC), 10m Waking Test(10m WT)), and Fugl Meyer-Lower/ Extremity(FM-L/E), Berg Balance Scale(BBS).
Results：Inter-rater reliability for the total mEFAP was High(ICC2,1=.998), and absolute reliability were excellent (SEM: 1.75, SRD: 4.85). Subjects without assistance factor performed better on all tests than did subjects who had stroke. There were significant correlations between the mEFAP and MMAS-G, SSS-G, FAC(r=-.66∼-.79), 10 m WT(r=-.86), and FM-L/E, BBS(r=-.72∼-.78), indicating good validity. Increased times on the mEFAP correlated with poor performance on the gait ability, motor function of lower extremity, BBS and slow gait speeds on the 10 m WT in stroke patients.
Conclusion：The mEFAP can be administered easily and comprehensively. It is a reliable gait assessment tool for patients with stroke and correlated with known of function, the mEFAP may be a clinically useful measure of ambulation.