Abstract
ObjectiveTo develop and validate a quick observational clinical tool, the Functional ASsessment Test for Upper Limb (FAST-UL), for the evaluation of upper limb impairment in goal-directed functional-oriented motor tasks after stroke. DesignObservational, cross-sectional, psychometric study. SettingInpatient and outpatient rehabilitation clinic. ParticipantsA total of 188 post-stroke survivors (mean age 65.2±17.7 years, 61% men, 48% with ischemic stroke and 66% in the sub-acute phase; N=188). InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresPrincipal component analysis and Rasch analysis through a Partial Credit Model were used to assess the structure and psychometric properties of the 5 items of the FAST-UL (Hand to Mouth [HtM], Reach to Target, Prono-Supination, Grasp and Release, and Pinch and Release [PaR]). ResultsThe Cronbach's α equal to 0.96 was indicative of an acceptable internal consistency; the reliability, as measured through the Person Separation Reliability equal to 0.87, was good. The FAST-UL tool was unidimensional. All the FAST-UL items were found to fit well the Rasch measurement model. The easiest to perform FAST-UL item was the HtM movement while the most difficult was the PaR movement. ConclusionsThe FAST-UL is a quick, easy-to-administer observational assessment tool of upper limb motor impairment in post-stroke survivors with good item-level psychometric properties.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call