Can Action Research Arm Test Predict Functional Independence in Addition to Motor Functions in Stroke Patients?

Abstract

INTRODUCTION[|]To investigate the ability of the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) scores to predict functional independence in the evaluation of upper extremity motor functions in stroke patients.[¤]METHODS[|]A total of 59 patients with stroke with a mean age of 61.10+-9.12 were included in this study. Forty-one (69.5%) of the patients were male, and 18 (30.5%) were female. After obtaining the demographic data of the patients who were followed up in the stroke outpatient clinic after the stroke, upper extremity functions were evaluated using ARAT test, and functional independence was evaluated with Performance Assessment of Self Care Skills (PASS) and Functional Independence Scale (FIM) tests. The data were retrospectively evaluated and recorded.[¤]RESULTS[|]The mean stroke duration was 15.38+-7.16 months. According to Spearman correlation test results, there was no correlation between ARAT and PASS (p=0.902), PASS-BADL (Basic activities of daily living) (p=0.480), PASS-IADL (Instrumental activities of daily living) (p=0.524) and between ARAT and FIM (p=0.451), FIM Motor (p=0.393), and FIM Cognitive (p=0.553). There was a weak correlation between the FIM and the PASS scores (r=0.278, p=0.033).[¤]DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION[|]ARAT scores routinely used in the evaluation of upper extremity motor functions were not correlated with functional independence. In addition to the ARAT test, functional independence scales may be appropriate for the evaluation of upper extremity motor functions.[¤]

Keywords

• physical functional performance
• stroke; upper extremity.