Assessing Wolf Motor function Test as outcome measure for research in patients after stroke

Background and Purpose - The Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) is a new time- based method to evaluate upper extremity performance while providing insigh t into joint-specific and total limb movements, This study addresses select ed psychometric attributes of the WMFT applied to a chronic stroke populati on. Methods - Nineteen individuals after stroke and with intact cognition and s itting balance were age- and sex-matched with 19 individuals without impair ment. Subjects performed the WMFT and the upper extremity portion of the Fu gl-Meyer Motor Assessment (FMA) on 2 occasions (12 to 16 days apart), with scoring performed independently by 2 random raters. Results - The WMFT and FMA demonstrated agreement (P <0.0001) between rater s at each session. WMFT scores for the dominant and nondominant extremities of individuals without impairment were different (P <0.05) from the more a nd less affected extremities of subjects after stroke. The FMA score for th e more affected extremity of subjects after stroke was different (P less th an or equal to0.05) from the dominant and nondominant extremities. However, the FMA score for the less affected upper extremity of individuals after s troke was not different (P >0.05) from the dominant and nondominant extremi ties of individuals without impairment. The WMFT and FMA scores were relate d (P <0.02) for the more affected extremity in individuals after stroke. Conclusions - The interrater reliability, construct validity, and criterion validity of the WMFT, as used in these subject samples, are supported.