Reliability of the Modified Motor Assessment Scale and the Barthel Index

Many physical therapists use descriptive and functional assessments of motor recovery for patients with stroke. The purpose of this study was to establish the reliability of two such assessments. The Modified Motor Assessment Scale (MMAS) assesses motor recovery; the Barthel Index assesses functional independence. Interrater and intrarater reliability were determined for the total scores and individual item ratings using videotaped MMAS and Barthel Index assessments of seven patients with stroke. Therapists viewed and rated the videotaped assessments on two occasions separated by one month. The intrarater reliability results were higher than the interrater reliability results for total scores, and both results were acceptable statistically. Interrater and intrarater reliability of the individual item ratings were also determined. The MMAS and Barthel Index are reliable assessments of motor recovery and function for patients with stroke. Physical therapists are encouraged to use the two scales to document changes in the motor recovery and functional independence of patients with stroke.