The Burden of Stroke Scale (BOSS) provided valid, reliable, and responsive score estimates of functioning and well-being during the first year of recovery from stroke

Ojectives To examine the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the Burden of Stroke Scale (BOSS). Study Design A prospective cohort of stroke survivors were assessed at 3 (T1, T2), 6 (T3), and 12 (T4) months post onset (MPO) of stroke. Test-retest reliability was evaluated by calculating intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) between T1 and T2 scale scores. Convergent validity was evaluated by calculating Pearson product moment correlation coefficients between T1 BOSS, Stroke Impact Scale and MOS SF-36 scale scores assessing similar health concepts. Responsiveness was evaluated using a repeated measures ANOVA and the linear trend test in the full study sample and by calculating standardized response means (SRM) and a probability of change statistic, (p) over cap between T1, T3, and T4 scale scores in participants demonstrating change on external criteria. Results ICCs ranged from 0.78 to 0.94. Pearson coefficients ranged from -0.57 to -0.86. Moderate to high responsiveness estimates were obtained for 9 of 12 subscales with SRM ((p) over cap )values ranged from .497 (.690) to 1.161 (.877). Composite scale SRM ((p) over cap) values ranged from .661 (.746) to 1.192 (.883). Conclusions The BOSS provided valid and reliable score estimates that were responsive to positive changes in functioning and well-being during the first year of recovery from stroke.