Evaluation of upper extremity motor function tests in tetraplegics

Abstract

Objective: To provide an overview of arm±hand function tests useful in tetraplegic subjects. Considerations for selection of an appropriate test are also provided. Data sources: A Medline literature search was conducted covering the period from 1967 to March 2001. Relevant references cited in the selected papers were also considered, regardless of the year of publication. Study selection: This review was restricted to strength tests, functional and ADL tests. Only general tests and tests designed speci®cally to test tetraplegic persons written in English, or in Dutch were included in the review. Results: Information is provided on four types of strength tests, 10 general and ®ve speci®c functional tests and eight ADL tests. Conclusion: Many tests are available to measure upper extremity motor function in tetraplegics. Selection of a test is at ®rst determined by the outcome value in which the investigator is interested. When the type of outcome value has been determined, the most suitable test has to be selected from the range of available tests. When two tests appear to be equally suitable, the availability of information on psychometric properties of the test when used in tetraplegic patients is a decisive factor. When information on the reliability, validity and sensitivity of a test is missing, it should be gathered before using the test. Sponsorship: The present study was written with ®nancial assistance provided by the Health Research and Development Council of the Netherlands.

Measurement properties of the short version of the Van Lieshout test for arm/hand function of persons with tetraplegia after spinal cord injury

“…4 The GRT was designed to assess use of the Freehand system, but the test is used in other tetraplegic populations as well. 7 Validity and some evidence of sensitivity to change were established. 17 The test contains three objects to be handled (eg grasp, move, and release) with the lateral grasp and three objects to be handled with the palmar grasp.…”

“…5,6 At the moment, there is no superior test available that has been developed for people with tetraplegia, which is valid within the range of C5 to T1 spinal cord lesions. 7 …”

Physical capacity in wheelchair-dependent persons with a spinal cord injury: a critical review of the literature

“…49,52,[77][78][79] Fourthly, it seems less valid, because it has a limited correlation with isokinetic dynamometry, which is often regarded the gold standard for the assessment of muscle strength, but is not manageable in use. 44,77,80 The HHD score has shown to be valid, and has a good reliability in SCI, both with experienced and inexperienced examiners. 44,47,49 Muscle strength is an important component of physical capacity, and is related to functioning.…”

Early intensive hand rehabilitation after spinal cord injury ("Hands On"): a protocol for a randomised controlled trial

“…Although the ARAT was originally used as a measure of arm and hand function after stroke,[13] it has been successfully used in a trial similar to this one conducted in people with established SCI [personal communication; Prochazka A, 2009]. The ARAT has excellent reliability and has been validated against a number of other upper limb function tests [14-17]. It also has good face validity, assessing a range of functional hand tasks.…”