Psychometric properties of the simple test for evaluating hand function in patients with stroke.

Objective: The simple test for evaluating hand function (STEF) is widely used for clinical evaluation of upper extremity function in Japan. However, except for test-re-test reliability, its psychometric properties have not been investigated. The aim of this study is to explore its internal consistency, concurrent validity and responsiveness in patients with sub-acute stroke.

Design: This was a prospective longitudinal study.

Patients: Thirty-four inpatients who had suffered hemiparetic stroke within 60 days of participation were enrolled.

Methods: To investigate its internal consistency and responsiveness, they were assessed with the STEF and Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) at admission and 3 weeks later. To explore its concurrent validity, the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Motor Activity Log (MAL) and Functional Independence Measure (FIM™) were also evaluated at admission.

Results: The Cronbach's alpha for the STEF was 0.98-0.99, indicating excellent internal consistency. The STEF score strongly correlated with the ARAT, FMA and MAL scores and moderately with the FIM™ score. Effect sizes and the standardized response mean were 0.27 and 0.52 for the STEF and 0.30 and 0.95 for the ARAT, respectively.

Conclusion: This study indicates that the STEF is reliable, valid and sensitive to changes when applied to patients with sub-acute stroke.