Remote evaluation of upper extremity motor function following stroke: The Arm Capacity and Movement Test (ArmCAM) (Preprint)
BACKGROUND Developing a simple measure that can be administered remotely via videoconferencing is needed for telerehabilitation for rural and remote population, or during the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVE To develop a valid and reliable measure [the Arm Capacity and Movement Test (ArmCAM)] administered remotely via videoconferencing to evaluate upper extremity motor function after stroke. METHODS A sample of individuals with stroke (N=31) was used to assess the reliability and validity of the ArmCAM (range: 0-30). Test-retest and inter-rater reliability were assessed through the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC). Validity was examined by the Pearson and Spearman rank correlation coefficients. RESULTS The ArmCAM consists of 10 items and takes 15 minutes to administer without any special equipment except for a computer and internet access. The ICC for test-retest reliability and inter-rater reliability were 0.997 and 0.993, respectively. The SEM and MDC95 were 0.74 and 2.05 points, respectively. With respect to validity, correlations between the ArmCAM and the Rating of Everyday Arm-use in the Community and Home Scale, Stroke Impact Scale-Hand, Fugl-Meyer Assessment for upper extremity, and Action Research Arm Test were good to excellent (correlation coefficients: 0.811-0.944). CONCLUSIONS he ArmCAM has good reliability and validity. It is an easy-to-use assessment that is designed to be administered remotely via video conferencing. CLINICALTRIAL NA (This is not a clinical trial)