Televideo assessment using Functional Reach Test and European Stroke Scale

This study explored the equivalence of physical function assessment by physical therapists (PTs) during face-to-face and remote administration of the European Stroke Scale (ESS) and the Functional Reach Test (FRT) to 26 subjects with a history of stroke. Patients were randomized to remote or face-to-face administration groups. Each patient was simultaneously rated by both the face-to-face and remote PTs. The PTs were blinded to each other's results. Equivalence was set at the 95% limits of agreement. When the face-to-face PT directed the patient, the two PTs reported equivalent values in more than 90% of the patients for the FRT and for all ESS components, with the exception of gait (83%) and maintaining leg position (85%). When the remote PT directed the patient, the two PTs reported equivalent values in more than 90% of the patients for the FRT and more than 83% for all ESS components. Televideo assessment of function by PTs is substantially equivalent to a face-to-face encounter.