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The reliability of the wolf motor function test for assessing upper extremity function after stroke.

D M Morris·G Uswatte·J E Crago·E W Cook·E Taub
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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine the reliability of the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) for assessing upper extremity motor function in adults with hemiplegia. DESIGN: Interrater and test-retest reliability. SETTING: A clinical research laboratory at a university medical center. PATIENTS: A sample of convenience of 24 subjects with chronic hemiplegia (onset >1yr), showing moderate motor impairment. INTERVENTION: The WMFT includes 15 functional tasks. Performances were timed and rated by using a 6-point functional ability scale. The WMFT was administered to subjects twice with a 2-week interval between administrations. All test sessions were videotaped for scoring at a later time by blinded and trained experienced therapists. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Interrater reliability was examined by using intraclass correlation coefficients and internal consistency by using Cronbach's alpha. RESULTS: Interrater reliability was.97 or greater for performance time and.88 or greater for functional ability. Internal consistency for test 1 was.92 for performance time and.92 for functional ability; for test 2, it was.86 for performance time and.92 for functional ability. Test-retest reliability was.90 for performance time and.95 for functional ability. Absolute scores for subjects were stable over the 2 test administrations. CONCLUSION: The WMFT is an instrument with high interrater reliability, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and adequate stability.

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AdolescentAdultAgedAged, 80 and overArmChronic DiseaseDiagnostic Techniques, NeurologicalFemaleHemiplegiaHumansMaleMiddle AgedMotor SkillsObserver VariationReproducibility of ResultsStrokeStroke RehabilitationJournal ArticleResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

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D M Morris, G Uswatte, J E Crago, E W Cook, E Taub. 2001. The reliability of the wolf motor function test for assessing upper extremity function after stroke.. https://doi.org/10.1053/apmr.2001.23183

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