The reliability of the wolf motor function test for assessing upper extremity function after stroke.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the reliability of the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) for assessing upper extremity motor function in adults with hemiplegia.


METHODS
Interrater and test-retest reliability.


METHODS
A clinical research laboratory at a university medical center.


METHODS
A sample of convenience of 24 subjects with chronic hemiplegia (onset >1yr), showing moderate motor impairment.


METHODS
The WMFT includes 15 functional tasks. Performances were timed and rated by using a 6-point functional ability scale. The WMFT was administered to subjects twice with a 2-week interval between administrations. All test sessions were videotaped for scoring at a later time by blinded and trained experienced therapists.


METHODS
Interrater reliability was examined by using intraclass correlation coefficients and internal consistency by using Cronbach's alpha.


RESULTS
Interrater reliability was.97 or greater for performance time and.88 or greater for functional ability. Internal consistency for test 1 was.92 for performance time and.92 for functional ability; for test 2, it was.86 for performance time and.92 for functional ability. Test-retest reliability was.90 for performance time and.95 for functional ability. Absolute scores for subjects were stable over the 2 test administrations.


CONCLUSIONS
The WMFT is an instrument with high interrater reliability, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and adequate stability.
Morris
D M
DM
Division of Physical Therapy, University of Alabama, Birmingham 35294, USA. morrisd@uab.edu
Uswatte
G
G
Crago
J E
JE
Cook
E W
EW
Taub
E
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001132:Arm; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003943:Diagnostic Techniques, Neurological; D005260:Female; D006429:Hemiplegia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009048:Motor Skills; D015588:Observer Variation; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation