Assessing the streamlined Wolf motor function test as an outcome measure for stroke rehabilitation.
OBJECTIVE
This study investigates the clinimetric properties of the streamlined Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), a 6-item version of the performance time scale of the WMFT.


METHODS
The streamlined WMFT, along with 2 criterion measures, the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) and the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS), were administered to 64 stroke patients before and after a 3-week intervention. Responsiveness was examined using the Wilcoxon signed rank test and standardized response mean (SRM). Criterion-related validity was investigated using the Spearman correlation coefficient (ρ).


RESULTS
The mean score on the baseline FMA upper extremity of the patients was 44.84 (standard deviation = 12.77). The streamlined WMFT and the original performance time scale showed comparable responsiveness (SRM = 0.29 and 0.37, respectively). The concurrent validity of the streamlined WMFT was good (ρ = 0.57-0.69). For predictive validity, the streamlined WMFT showed slightly better association with the criterion measures (ρ = 0.60-0.68) than did the original scale (ρ = 0.56-0.64).


CONCLUSIONS
Compared with the original scale, the streamlined WMFT showed improved clinical utility.
Wu
Ching-yi
CY
Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Fu
Tiffany
T
Lin
Keh-chung
KC
Feng
Chi-tzu
CT
Hsieh
Kuang-ping
KP
Yu
Hung-wen
HW
Lin
Chia-huang
CH
Hsieh
Ching-ju
CJ
Ota
Hisaaki
H
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D010291:Paresis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology*; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation