Reliability and validity of the Turkish executive function performance test in people with stroke

Abstract

The Executive Function Performance Test (EFPT) is a performance-based test designed to assess parameters of executive function in instrumental activities of daily living. This study aimed to examine the validity and reliability of the Turkish EFPT in people with stroke. The present study was carried out on 72 individuals with stroke (32 female, 40 male) undergoing inpatient care at Etlik City Hospital. Analyses of internal consistency, inter-rater reliability, and convergent and divergent validity were carried out. The mean age of the participants was 62.81 +/- 12.33 years and the mean time since stroke was 19.96 +/- 39.81 months. According to the reliability analysis, the Cronbach's alpha level of the Turkish EFPT was found to be excellent (0.92). The inter-rater reliability analysis showed a very good agreement (0.99). A significant and high correlation was found between the MMSE (r = -0.732; p < .001) and Turkish EFPT in convergent validity analysis. In divergent validity analysis, significant but weaker correlations were found between the Turkish EFPT and the FIM (r = -0.499; p < .001) and SIS (r = -0.381; p < .031). This study may provide preliminary evidence for the validity and reliability of the Turkish EFPT in individuals with stroke. The EFPT appears to be able to facilitate effective assessment of executive function in stroke rehabilitation, to help determine the level of assistance required for functional activities, and to assist in planning suitable interventions.