Dm. Morris et al., The reliability of the wolf motor function test for assessing upper extremity function after stroke, ARCH PHYS M, 82(6), 2001, pp. 750-755
Objective: To examine the reliability of the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT
) for assessing upper extremity motor function in adults with hemiplegia.
Design: Interrater and test-retest reliability.
Setting: A clinical research laboratory at a university medical center.
Patients: A sample of convenience of 24 subjects with chronic hemiplegia (o
nset > 1yr), showing moderate motor impairment.
Intervention: The WMFT includes 15 functional tasks. Performances were time
d and rated by using a 6-poinr functional ability scale. The WMFT was admin
istered to subjects twice with a 2-week interval between administrations. A
ll test sessions were videotaped for scoring at a later time by blinded and
trained experienced therapists.
Main Outcome Measure: Interrater reliability was examined by using intracla
ss correlation coefficients and internal consistency by using Cronbach's al
pha.
Results: Interrater reliability was .97 or greater for performance time and
.88 or greater for functional ability. Internal consistency for test 1 was
.92 for performance time and .92 for functional ability; for test 2, it wa
s .86 for performance time and .92 for functional ability. Test-retest reli
ability was .90 for performance time and .95 for functional ability. Absolu
te Scores for subjects were stable over the 2 test administrations.
Conclusion: The WMFT is an instrument with high interrater reliability, int
ernal consistency, test-retest reliability, and adequate stability.
(C) 2001 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the Americ
an Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.