A comparison of the ability of two upper extremity assessments to measure change in function.
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.
Lehman
Leigh A
LA
Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina Upstate, Spartanburg, South Carolina. Electronic address: lalehman@aol.com.
Sindhu
Bhagwant S
BS
Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Shechtman
Orit
O
Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Romero
Sergio
S
Rehabilitation Outcomes Research Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veteran's Affairs System, Gainesville, Florida.
Velozo
Craig A
CA
Rehabilitation Outcomes Research Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veteran's Affairs System, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
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*