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

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.