Functional Evaluation of Upper Extremity Use following Stroke: A Literature Review

A Systematic Literature Review of Outcome Measures for Upper Extremity Function Using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health as Reference

“…Considering the significant consequences that result from upper extremity impairments [3,4,[12][13][14][15], efforts during the last 2 decades have focused on developing condition-specific outcome measures to assess bodily impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions. With the exception of the tetraplegic population, for which few outcome measures specific to upper extremity function have been applied [16], a proliferation of outcome measures has been seen in the fields of peripheral upper extremity conditions [17][18][19][20], rheumatologic diseases [17,18] and stroke [21].…”

Assessment of the upper limb in acute stroke: The validity of hierarchal scoring for the Motor Assessment Scale

“…The MAS is taught in physiotherapy and occupational therapy programs across Australian universities (Ada, Canning, Dean & Moore, 2004). As an assessment tool it is commonly used in Australia and internationally in acute and rehabilitation settings (Lannin, 2004; National Stroke Foundation, 2005; Okkema & Culler, 1998).…”

“…These effects refer to the situation where a person may have a small degree of motor function but still score zero, or conversely where a person may obtain a full score but still have some difficulty with complex motor tasks (Lannin). Requiring 15–30 min to administer, the MAS is the only outcome measure recommended by the North American Post‐Stroke Rehabilitation Clinical Practice Guidelines which contains functional test items (Okkema & Culler, 1998). Others have recommended the MAS for use following stroke as it measures both motor dysfunction and its impact on daily activities (Lannin; Loewen & Anderson, 1988; Williams, Galea & Winter, 2001).…”

“…The aspect of validity which remains under scrutiny in the MAS is the hierarchal scoring system. Hierarchies are valuable as they reduce the time and effort required to administer the instrument (Okkema & Culler, 1998). However, there is discrepancy within the literature regarding the recommended method of scoring the MAS.…”

The test‐retest reliability and responsiveness to change for the Hand Function Survey during stroke rehabilitation

“…Self‐reports or questionnaires provide another option for measurement as they are relatively inexpensive and easy to administer, require no special equipment and can be implemented in a variety of clinical settings (Edwards, 1990; van der Lee, Beckerman, Knol, de Vet, & Bouter, 2004). Moreover, questionnaires can help gain valuable information from the client about ability to use their arm and hand in meaningful tasks when outside the clinical environment (Penta, Tesio, Arnould, Zancan, & Thonnard, 2001; Uswatte, Taub, Morris, Light, & Thompson, 2006), a core focus for occupational therapists (Okkema & Culler, 1998). Information gained during a questionnaire could help direct further assessment as well as monitor client progress over time.…”