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A comparison of the ability of two upper extremity assessments to measure change in function. J Hand Ther 2010;23(1):31-40

Date

12/01/2009

Pubmed ID

19944563

DOI

10.1016/j.jht.2009.09.006

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-75349090725 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   39 Citations

Abstract

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective Measurement Comparison.

INTRODUCTION: Upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders affect millions, thus, discerning optimal assessments for measuring change in upper extremity function is critical.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To compare responsiveness (ability to measure change) of the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) and Upper Extremity Functional Index (UEFI).

METHODS: Statistical analyses included Rasch analysis to place the instruments on the same scale, analysis of variance to compare change scores, correlations to compare change scores with global ratings, and the use of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to determine meaningful change scores and overall error.

RESULTS: Change scores on the DASH and UEFI and correlations between change scores and global ratings were similar. Areas under the ROC curves for the DASH and UEFI were 67% and 65%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: Neither assessment has a clear advantage over the other when measuring clinical change.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Not applicable.

Author List

Lehman LA, Sindhu BS, Shechtman O, Romero S, Velozo CA

Author

Bhagwant Sindhu BS,MS,PhD Assistant Professor in the Occupational Science & Technology department at University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee




MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Analysis of Variance
Disability Evaluation
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Musculoskeletal Diseases
ROC Curve
Retrospective Studies
Sensitivity and Specificity
Surveys and Questionnaires
Upper Extremity