Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Qualitative and Quantitative Validation of Tools with Rating Scales Aimed at Assessing the Quality of University Service-Learning
Published on: August 29, 2025
Reliability of the modified Rankin Scale: a systematic review
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.
Related Concept Videos
Ranks
Wilcoxon Rank-Sum Test
Friedman Two-way Analysis of Variance by Ranks
Reliability and Validity
Spearman's Rank Correlation Test
Spearman's test calculates correlation by...
Ordinal Level of Measurement
Data measured using an ordinal scale are similar to nominal scale data, but there is one major difference. The ordinal scale data can be ordered. An example of ordinal scale data is a list of the top five national parks in the...