Reference values for the transformed Van Lieshout hand function test for tetraplegia.

Study design:Longitudinal cohort study.Objectives:Previously, the Van Lieshout hand function test for tetraplegia (short form)(VLT-SF) has been transformed into an interval scale (r_VLT-SF) using the Rasch analysis, thereby fulfilling the requirements of an objective measurement. The present study aims (1) to transform r_VLT-SF_logit scores (r_VLT-SF_logit) into 0-100 scores (r_VLT-SF₁₀₀) in order to facilitate communication amongst its users and (2) to describe r_VLT-SF₁₀₀ reference values in order to refine the prediction of upper extremity skilled performance in persons with tetraplegia.Setting:Eight Dutch rehabilitation centres.Methods:The VLT-SF data of tetraplegic patients from eight Dutch rehabilitation centres, gathered at the start of the active rehabilitation (t1), 3 months after t1 (t2) and at the time of discharge (t3), have been used. The r_VLT-SF₁₀₀ total score for t1 and t3 were computed, anchored on the data for t2. Reference values (medians and interquartiles) for different subgroups were calculated at different moments during the rehabilitation.Results:Data at t1 (n=64), t2 (n=73) and t3 (n=69) were used. The r_VLT-SF_logit scores (−4.78-6.32) were transformed into r_VLT-SF₁₀₀ (0-100) at t2. Reference values were established for persons with motor complete or incomplete lesions with either a high (C1-C6) or a low (C7-T1) lesion level at t1, t2 and t3. Significant differences (P<0.025) in r_VLT-SF₁₀₀ were found for most subgroups and different time intervals.Conclusions:The r_VLT-SF_logit scores were converted into r_VLT-SF₁₀₀ scores, and reference values of the r_VLT-SF₁₀₀ have been established for different subgroups of tetraplegic patients at different stages during rehabilitation. The r_VLT-SF₁₀₀ has been proven to be able to detect improvement over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]