Assessments of motor function post stroke: a review.

Objective: The purpose of this article is to review assessments of motor function after stroke.Method: Eleven assessments were reviewed for what aspects of motor function are measured; tools needed; evidence for reliability and validity of the assessment and advantages and disadvantages of the assessment. The assessments were the Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients (FMA), the Motor Assessment Scale (MAS), the Rivermead Motor Assessment (RMA), the Chedoke-McMaster Stroke Assessment (CMSA), the Motor Club Assessment (MCA), the Motricity Index (MI), the Stroke Rehabilitation Assessment of Movement (STREAM), the Frenchay Arm Test (FAT), the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), the Functional Test for the Hemiparetic Upper Extrcmity (FT), and the Arm Motor Ability Test (AMAT).Results: The FMA, MAS, RMA, CMSA, MCA, MI, and STREAM measure motor function in both the upper and lower extremities while the FAT, ARAT, FT, and AMAT are specific to the upper limb only. The majority of the assessments test at the impairment level rather than at the activity level. The FMA, CMSA, MCA, MI, and STREAM require the least equipment (for example, a mat/bed, chair, marble/block) while the RMA, the MAS, the FAT, ARAT, FT, and AMAT require the use of numerous small objects, some of which are very specific in dimensions. The instruments differ in their reliability and validity with the FMA and CMSA having more sound psychometric evidence than the other tests reviewed.Conclusion: Familiarity with assessments of motor function can be helpful in selecting the one most appropriate to one's setting and need. These assessments, in addition to assessing activities of daily living, can separate specific lost neurological function from compensatory responses to document the outcomes and the effectiveness of therapeutic techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]