Development and validation of the Chinese version of the Reintegration to Normal Living Index for use with stroke patients

Objective: To develop and validate a Chinese version of the Reintegration to Normal Living Index. Design: Descriptive case-series. Subjects: Seventy-five individuals with chronic stroke and 55 age-matched healthy subjects. Methods: The English version of the Reintegration to Normal Living Index was translated into Chinese using standardized procedures, and then administered to both the stroke and control groups. The same instrument was administered again to the stroke subjects 1-2 weeks later. Results: The Chinese version of the Reintegration to Normal Living Index had good internal consistency (Cronbach's α=0.92) and test-retest reliability (intraclass coefficient = 0.87). The minimal detectable difference of the Index score was 14.8 (out of 100). Convergent validity of the Index was demonstrated by its significant association with Frenchay Activities Index (r=0.439, p<0.001) and Personal Wellbeing Index (r=0.250, p=0.033) scores among stroke subjects. The Reintegration to Normal Living Index score was significantly lower in the stroke group than in controls (p< 0.001), thus demonstrating discriminant validity. Factor analysis confirmed the two-factor structure of the Index, namely, daily functioning and perception of self. Conclusion: The Reintegration to Normal Living Index is a reliable and valid tool for assessing satisfaction with community reintegration among Chinese people with chronic stroke.