Functional Test for the Hemiparetic Upper Extremity

Abstract

A test, called the Functional Test, that evaluates the integrated function of the total upper extremity of an adult hemiparetic patient has been developed. It was used with 82 patients admitted to Rancho Los Amigos Hospital for stroke rehabilitation, together with a battery of six objective test measures. Sequential testing by two examiners demonstrated that the test had interrater reliability. The Functional Test score accounted for 87 percent of the variation in the scores achieved by the patients on the six separate objective measures. This tool integrates the information from these objective assessments and appears to be a valid measure of functional use of the hemiparetic upper extremity. The test can be administered in approximately 30 minutes, can be used in different treatment settings, and provides an accurate and immediate assessment of upper extremity capabilities.