Clinical utility of the action research arm test, the wolf motor function test and the motor activity log for hemiparetic upper extremity functions after stroke: A pilot study

Objective: To investigate the use of the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), and the Motor Activity Log (MAL) in patients with stroke and different degrees of severity of hemiparetic upper extremity impairment in a community centre in Hong Kong. Methods: Twelve participants with stroke, who resided in the community, were recruited by convenience sampling. Outcome measures included the ARAT, the WMFT, and the MAL, and were conducted on a single occasion. Results: The ARAT, the WMFT, and the amount of use (AOU) and quality of movement (QOM) of the MAL were highly correlated with the hemiplegic upper limb functional levels. The ARAT and the WMFT were interrelated (r=0.96). Both the AOU and the QOM subscales of the MAL were highly correlated with the ARAT (r=0.91; r=0.97) and the WMFT (r=0.86; r=0.92). Conclusion: Occupational therapists should consider administering the WMFT first, and the ARAT can then be used to identify problems in certain areas of upper extremity function, such as grasping, gripping and pinching, in order to guide treatment. The MAL is highly recommended as an outcome measure across patients, and the results could guide treatment planning.