Comparative analysis between the functional scales of upper extremity Wolf Motor Function Test and Action Research Arm Test used in the evaluation of constraint-induced movement therapy in patients with ischemic stroke

Abstract

Introduction: The Constraint-induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) is an intervention, in which the main goal is the rehabilitation of upper extremity (UE) in hemiparetic patients with stroke. Its protocol consists of an intensive two-week treatment of with six daily hours of exercises and the wear of a mitt on nonaffected UE during 90% of the daily activities. Objective: To perform a comparative analysis between the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMF) and the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT). Methods: Tests had been applied during four different times in 17 patients with diagnosis of stroke, who performed individually the CIMT and after time for application, time for preparation, reproducibility, and factorial analysis tests had been analyzed. Results: Decrease in the WMFT score, increase in the ARAT score after CIMT, decrease in time to prepare the table and apply both tests and the factorial analysis showed two and three qualitative components in ARAT and WMFT, respectively. Conclusions: Both tests can measure the therapeutics gains of CIMT, with high reproducibility, however the time for application and preparation of the table is minor in ARAT and only the WMFT shows the qualitative component laterality.