Validity and Reliability of the Korean-Translated Version of the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale in Cerebellar Ataxia

Objective The International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS) is a semiquantitative clinical scale for ataxia that is widely used in numerous countries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the validity and reliability of the Korean-translated version of the ICARS. Methods Eighty-eight patients who presented with cerebellar ataxia were enrolled. We investigated the construct validity us-ing exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). We also investigated the internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha and intrarater and interrater reliability using intraclass correlation coefficients. Results The Korean-translated ICARS showed satisfactory construct validity using EFA and CFA. It also revealed good inter-rater and intrarater reliability and showed acceptable internal consistency. However, subscale 4 for assessing oculomotor disorder showed moderate internal consistency. Conclusion This is the first report to investigate the validity and reliability of the Korean-translated ICARS. Our results showed excellent construct and convergent validity. The reliability is also acceptable.

Automated summary

This study investigated the validity and reliability of the Korean-translated version of the ICARS. The results showed that the Korean version of ICARS has good construct validity, internal consistency, and reliability, except for subscale 4 assessing oculomotor disorder which showed moderate internal consistency.