Construct validity of the TCI mobile app in chronic stroke.

Abstract

Background: The TCI Mobile application (TCI Mobile app) has tools to help assess the mobility of people with chronic stroke. Objective: To investigate the construct validity of the TCI Mobile app to assess the mobility of people with chronic stroke.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 30 participants with chronic stroke (>6 months), able to walk 8 meters, three times a day with or without an assistive device. Data collection spans 5 days, starting with sociodemographic data and assessment scales: the Timed Up and Go Test, Life Space Assessment, 6-meter Walk Test, 10-meter Walk Test, and Lower Extremity Motor Activity Log. After baseline data, participants wore the TCI Mobile app and an activity monitor in their homes for 3 consecutive days. The Cohen correlation test was used to assess correlations, categorized as small (0.10-0.29), moderate (0.30-0.49), and large (>0.50).

Results: There was a positive and large correlation between the TCI Mobile and activity monitors (0.63 p < .01), 10-meter Walk Test (0.54 p < .01) and Life Space Assessment (0.54 p < .01); a negative and large correlation with the Timed Up and Go Test (-0.50 p < .01); and a positive and moderate correlation with the 6-meter Walk Test (0.42 p = .02) and Lower Extremity Motor Activity Log (0.45 p = .01).

Conclusion: The TCI Mobile app demonstrates strong construct validity for assessing mobility in chronic stroke patients. By offering accessible and objective data, it supports clinical decision-making and promotes greater patient engagement in real-world rehabilitation settings.