The reliability of the wolf motor function test for assessing upper extremity function after stroke

Abstract

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 (onset >1yr), showing moderate motor impairment.

Intervention: The WMFT includes 15 functional tasks. Performances were timed and rated by using a 6-point functional ability scale. The WMFT was administered to subjects twice with a 2-week interval between administrations. All 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 intraclass correlation coefficients and internal consistency by using Cronbach's alpha.

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 was.86 for performance time and.92 for functional ability. Test-retest reliability was.90 for performance time and.95 for functional ability. Absolute scores for subjects were stable over the 2 test administrations.

Conclusion: The WMFT is an instrument with high interrater reliability, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and adequate stability.