Self-Reports and Performance-Based Tests of Hand Function in Persons with Osteoarthritis

ABSTRACT

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability and validity of three self-reports of hand function in persons with osteoarthritis. Method: Forty people with osteoarthritis completed self-report questionnaires of hand function at two points at a 1-week interval to assess test–retest reliability. To determine concurrent validity, participants were also administered performance-based tests of hand strength, dexterity, and joint motion. Results: Intraclass correlation coefficients for test–retest reliability ranged from .84 to .95 for the Hand Function Disability Scale, .51 to .93 for the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire, and .74 for the Dreiser's Functional Index. Spearman rho correlations showed good to moderate correlations between the self-reports and performance measures of hand strength and joint motion. Conclusion: Overall, self-reports appear to be reliable and valid measures of hand function and may help therapists determine the level of difficulty with daily tasks and monitor outcomes of therapy in persons with osteoarthritis.

KEYWORDS. :

• Osteoarthritis
• hand function
• self-reports
• hand strength