Functional Evaluation of Upper Extremity Use following Stroke: A Literature Review

Abstract

Functional evaluations and relevant task-oriented evaluations are important to occupational therapy practice. This literature review examines upper extremity functional evaluations useful in evaluating the poststroke client. Thirteen evaluations are reviewed that include functional or task-oriented items. Reliability, validity, and test parameters are described. The tests are classified as either functional or task-oriented evaluations. It is hoped that this review will assist therapists in choosing effective and efficient tools for evaluation and that the future will bring more selection in the area of functional evaluations for stroke survivors.

Keywords:

• evaluation
• function
• occupational therapy assessment
• stroke