The AsTex: clinimetric properties of a new tool for evaluating hand sensation following stroke.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the clinimetric properties and clinical utility of the AsTex((R)), a new clinical tool for evaluation of hand sensation following stroke.


METHODS
The AsTex((R)) was administered on two occasions separated by a week to appraise test-retest reliability, and by three assessors on single occasion to establish inter-rater reliability. Pilot normative values were collected in an age-stratified sample. Clinical utility was evaluated based on ease of administration, ceiling and floor effects, and responsiveness to sensory recovery.


METHODS
Test-retest (n = 31) and inter-rater (n = 31) reliability and normative values (n = 95) for the AsTex((R)) were established in neurologically normal participants aged 18-85 years. Test-retest reliability was investigated in 22 individuals a mean of 46 months (range 12-125) post stroke and clinical utility was evaluated in an additional 24 subacute stroke participants a mean of 29.4 days (range 12-41) post stroke.


METHODS
The AsTex((R)).


RESULTS
The AsTex((R)) demonstrated excellent test-retest (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.98, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.97-0.99) and inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.73-0.87) in neurologically normal participants. Test-retest reliability of the AsTex((R)) in individuals following stroke was excellent (ICC = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.68-0.94). The AsTex((R)) was simple to administer, demonstrated small standard error of measurement (0.14 mm), minimal floor and ceiling effects (12.5% and 8.3%) and excellent responsiveness (standardized response mean = 0.57) in subacute stroke participants.


CONCLUSIONS
The AsTex((R)) is a reliable, clinically useful and responsive tool for evaluating hand sensation following stroke.
Miller
K J
KJ
Rehabilitation Sciences Research Centre, Melbourne Physiotherapy School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia. k.miller@unimelb.edu.au
Phillips
B A
BA
Martin
C L
CL
Wheat
H E
HE
Goodwin
A W
AW
Galea
M P
MP
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D019719:Diagnostic Equipment; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012016:Reference Values; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D020886:Somatosensory Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications*; D055815:Young Adult