A Pilot Study for Remote Evaluation of Upper Extremity Motor Function After Stroke: The Arm Capacity and Movement Test (ArmCAM)

Importance: A simple measure that can be administered remotely by means of videoconferencing is needed for telerehabilitation. Objective: To develop a valid and reliable measure, the Arm Capacity and Movement Test (ArmCAM), that can be administered remotely by means of videoconferencing to evaluate upper extremity motor function poststroke. Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: Participants' homes. Participants: A sample of people with stroke (N = 31). Outcomes and Measures: Test-retest and interrater reliabilities were assessed through intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), Cohen's K, standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal detectable change (MDC). Interrater reliability validity was examined with Pearson and Spearman rank correlation coefficients. Results: The ArmCAM (range = 0-30) consists of 10 items and takes 15 min to administer with no special equipment except for a computer and internet access. The ICCs for test-retest reliability and interrater reliability were .997 and .993, respectively. The SEM and MDC95 were 0.74 and 2.05 points, respectively. Individual items' test-retest reliability and interrater levels of agreement ranged from .811 to .957 and from .475 to .842, respectively, as measured with Cohen's K. Correlations between the ArmCAM and the Rating of Everyday Arm-use in the Community and Home scale; the Stroke Impact Scale, hand function domain; the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for upper extremity; and the Action Research Arm Test were good to excellent. Conclusions and Relevance: The ArmCAM has good reliability and validity. It is an easy-to-use assessment designed to be administered remotely by means of videoconferencing.

Automated summary

A simple and reliable measure, the Arm Capacity and Movement Test (ArmCAM), was developed to evaluate upper extremity motor function poststroke remotely through videoconferencing. The ArmCAM showed good test-retest reliability, interrater reliability, and validity, and can be easily administered with minimal equipment.