Abstract
Objective: The simple test for evaluating hand function (STEF) is widely used for clinical evaluation of upper extremity function in Japan. However, except for test–re-test reliability, its psychometric properties have not been investigated. The aim of this study is to explore its internal consistency, concurrent validity and responsiveness in patients with sub-acute stroke.Design: This was a prospective longitudinal study.Patients: Thirty-four inpatients who had suffered hemiparetic stroke within 60 days of participation were enrolled.Methods: To investigate its internal consistency and responsiveness, they were assessed with the STEF and Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) at admission and 3 weeks later. To explore its concurrent validity, the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Motor Activity Log (MAL) and Functional Independence Measure (FIM™) were also evaluated at admission.Results: The Cronbach’s alpha for the STEF was 0.98–0.99, indicating excellent internal consistency. The STEF score strongly correlated with the ARAT, FMA and MAL scores and moderately with the FIM™ score. Effect sizes and the standardized response mean were 0.27 and 0.52 for the STEF and 0.30 and 0.95 for the ARAT, respectively.Conclusion: This study indicates that the STEF is reliable, valid and sensitive to changes when applied to patients with sub-acute stroke.
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