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Meta-Analysis
. 2009 Oct;40(10):3393-5.
doi: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.109.557256. Epub 2009 Aug 13.

Reliability of the modified Rankin Scale: a systematic review

Terence J Quinn, Jesse Dawson, Matthew R Walters, Kennedy R Lees
Meta-Analysis

Reliability of the modified Rankin Scale: a systematic review

Terence J Quinn et al. Stroke. 2009 Oct.

Abstract

Background and purpose: A perceived weakness of the modified Rankin Scale is potential for interobserver variability. We undertook a systematic review of modified Rankin Scale reliability studies.

Methods: Two researchers independently reviewed the literature. Crossdisciplinary electronic databases were interrogated using the following key words: Stroke*; Cerebrovasc*; Modified Rankin*; Rankin Scale*; Oxford Handicap*; Observer variation*. Data were extracted according to prespecified criteria with decisions on inclusion by consensus.

Results: From 3461 titles, 10 studies (587 patients) were included. Reliability of modified Rankin Scale varied from weighted kappa=0.95 to kappa=0.25. Overall reliability of mRS was kappa=0.46; weighted kappa=0.90 (traditional modified Rankin Scale) and kappa=0.62; weighted kappa=0.87 (structured interview).

Conclusion: There remains uncertainty regarding modified Rankin Scale reliability. Interobserver studies closest in design to large-scale clinical trials demonstrate potentially significant interobserver variability.

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