Construct validity of the TCI mobile app in chronic stroke

• Published in: Physiotherapy theory and practice pp. 1 - 9
• Main Authors: Gomes, Laura Hellen S. C., dos Reis, Gabriela Cristina, de Oliveira, Nayara Kelley, dos Anjos, Sarah, Pereira, Natalia Duarte
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 20.05.2025
• Subjects: mHealth; mobility; outcome assessment; steps; stroke
• ISSN: 0959-3985; 1532-5040; 1532-5040
• DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2025.2506550

The TCI Mobile application (TCI Mobile app) has tools to help assess the mobility of people with chronic stroke. Objective: To investigate the construct validity of the TCI Mobile app to assess the mobility of people with chronic stroke. This cross-sectional study included 30 participants with chronic stroke (>6 months), able to walk 8 meters, three times a day with or without an assistive device. Data collection spans 5 days, starting with sociodemographic data and assessment scales: the Timed Up and Go Test, Life Space Assessment, 6-meter Walk Test, 10-meter Walk Test, and Lower Extremity Motor Activity Log. After baseline data, participants wore the TCI Mobile app and an activity monitor in their homes for 3 consecutive days. The Cohen correlation test was used to assess correlations, categorized as small (0.10-0.29), moderate (0.30-0.49), and large (>0.50). There was a positive and large correlation between the TCI Mobile and activity monitors (0.63  < .01), 10-meter Walk Test (0.54  < .01) and Life Space Assessment (0.54  < .01); a negative and large correlation with the Timed Up and Go Test (-0.50  < .01); and a positive and moderate correlation with the 6-meter Walk Test (0.42  = .02) and Lower Extremity Motor Activity Log (0.45  = .01). The TCI Mobile app demonstrates strong construct validity for assessing mobility in chronic stroke patients. By offering accessible and objective data, it supports clinical decision-making and promotes greater patient engagement in real-world rehabilitation settings.