Cross-Cultural Translation and Validation of the Thai Version of the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA-TH)

Duangnapa Roongpiboonsopit ¹, Wattakorn Laohapiboolrattana ¹, Taweewat Wiangkham ^2,3

⁰Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medical, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand.

Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine +

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November 5, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

The Thai Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA-TH) is a reliable and valid tool for measuring ataxia in stroke patients. It demonstrates excellent internal consistency and accuracy for clinical use.

Area Of Science

Neurology
Clinical Assessment
Rehabilitation

Background

Ataxia assessment is crucial for patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).
A culturally adapted and validated tool is needed for accurate ataxia measurement in the Thai population.

Purpose Of The Study

To culturally adapt the English Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) to Thai (SARA-TH).
To evaluate the reliability and validity of the SARA-TH in assessing ataxia in acute ischemic stroke or TIA patients.

Main Methods

The SARA was translated and cross-culturally adapted to Thai.
Reliability (internal consistency, intrarater, interrater) and validity (content, convergent) were assessed in 50 participants.
Convergent validity was examined using correlations with the Barthel Index (BI-TH), NIHSS-TH, and ICARS.

Main Results

SARA-TH showed good comprehension and no significant floor/ceiling effects.
Excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α≥0.776) was observed.
Significant correlations were found between SARA-TH and BI-TH (rs=-0.743 to -0.665), NIHSS-TH (rs=0.404-0.513), and ICARS (rs=0.859-0.917).
Intrarater reliability was high (0.724–1.000), and interrater reliability was acceptable (0.281–0.927).

Conclusions

SARA-TH exhibits excellent internal consistency, validity, and intrarater reliability.
It demonstrates acceptable interrater reliability among healthcare professionals with varied experience.
SARA-TH is recommended for assessing ataxia severity in patients post-acute ischemic stroke or TIA.

Keywords:

Ataxia Outcome assessment Reliability and validity Stroke Translations