The Rivermead Perceptual Assessment Battery: Can it predict functional performance?

Abstract

One of the major concerns of occupational therapy for people who have had a stroke is the functional consequence of impairment. The current study investigated the relationship between client test performance on the Rivermead Perceptual Assessment Battery (RPAB) and functional performance at admission and discharge from rehabilitation, as measured by the Functional Independence Measure (FIMSM instrument). The two aims of the study were: (i) to determine if a relationship exists between the RPAB and functional performance; and (ii) to ascertain if the RPAB could predict discharge functional performance. Forty‐six adults were assessed by the RPAB and the FIMSM over an 18‐month period. The multiple regression technique, backward elimination was used to address the research questions. The results indicated that no relationship exists between the RPAB and functional performance on admission to rehabilitation. However, the presence or absence of a visual perceptual disorder as indicated on the RPAB, combined with FIMSM admission scores were significant in predicting FIMSM discharge scores. A client’s age was found to be as predictive of functional performance as the RPAB, requiring far less time and effort to administer and include in the predictive equation. Results also indicate that people with a visual perceptual problem, as assessed by the RPAB, will achieve significantly lower scores on the FIMSM at discharge from rehabilitation than people without a visual perceptual disorder. The use of the RPAB as an assessment tool and its predictive abilities are discussed in light of the findings of this study.