The Rivermead Mobility Index is the most comprehensive measurement instrument to evaluate functional mobility in stroke: scoping review and systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability in the global population. The structural and functional changes resulting from the condition contribute to the reduction of functional mobility (FM), making it essential to evaluate it with appropriate and grounded measurement instruments (MI), enabling a more objective and rigorous clinical practice. Objectives: To investigate which measurement instrument(s) is/are the most comprehensive, from the point of view of the International Classification of Functioning (ICF) categories covered, that, according to the literature, assess(es) FM in the adult individual with sequelae of stroke, and to review in the literature the psychometric properties of this/these instrument(s). Material and Methods: Two literature searches were conducted on the PubMed, EBSCO, CENTRAL, PEDro, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Wiley Online Library databases. The study was divided into two main parts, namely the elaboration of a Scoping Review of MI that assess FM and a Systematic Review of the psychometric properties of MI with more correspondences with the ICF. Results: In the Scoping Review, 120 studies were included, and the Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI) was the MI that presented the most correspondences with the ICF categories included in the definition of FM. In the Systematic Review, of the 11 studies found, good results were found in the validity, reliability, and sensitivity of the RMI. Conclusions: The RMI appears to be the most comprehensive MI in correspondence with the ICF categories included in the definition of FM. The use of RMI is recommended as an FM MI in stroke patients, due to its good psychometric properties.