title: A comparison of the ability of two upper extremity assessments to measure change in function.
abstract: METHODS
  Retrospective Measurement Comparison.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders affect millions, thus, discerning optimal assessments for measuring change in upper extremity function is critical.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To compare responsiveness (ability to measure change) of the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) and Upper Extremity Functional Index (UEFI).
  
  
  METHODS
  Statistical analyses included Rasch analysis to place the instruments on the same scale, analysis of variance to compare change scores, correlations to compare change scores with global ratings, and the use of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to determine meaningful change scores and overall error.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Change scores on the DASH and UEFI and correlations between change scores and global ratings were similar. Areas under the ROC curves for the DASH and UEFI were 67% and 65%, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Neither assessment has a clear advantage over the other when measuring clinical change.
  
  
  METHODS
  Not applicable.
authors: Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina Upstate, Spartanburg, South Carolina. Electronic address: lalehman@aol.com.
authors: Leigh A
authors: LA
authors: Lehman
authors: Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
authors: Bhagwant S
authors: BS
authors: Sindhu
authors: Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
authors: Orit
authors: O
authors: Shechtman
authors: Rehabilitation Outcomes Research Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veteran's Affairs System, Gainesville, Florida.
authors: Sergio
authors: S
authors: Romero
authors: Rehabilitation Outcomes Research Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veteran's Affairs System, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
authors: Craig A
authors: CA
authors: Velozo
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012372:ROC Curve; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000503:physiopathology*