Hand function assessment: tests for adult patients with central nervous system disorders

Abstract

Upper limb dysfunction is a very common and severe problem in patients with central nervous system disorders. The restoration of arm and hand functions is one of the priority goals of medical rehabilitation in these patients. The development of new and effective rehabilitation technologies, implementation of a patient-centered approach, and objective assessment of rehabilitation outcomes require validated tools. This review aimed to introduce specialists to those tools that evaluate the rehabilitation outcomes based on the patient’s performance in standardized tasks (tests). Functional abilities of the upper extremities should be assessed based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. The general concepts of these tests are discussed. Standard requirements for measurement tools (validity, reliability, and sensitivity) ensure the reliability of test results. The tests that focused on the hand and arm function are briefly described. Only tests that have good psychometric characteristics and are suitable for the monitoring of rehabilitation outcomes for patients with stroke, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injury are also presented in the review. In conclusion, the choice of a specific test is based on the purpose and objectives of the study (clinical practice or scientific research), motor deficit peculiarities, and rehabilitation unit resources. However, new and validated tools that focus on the assessment of hand function abilities in patients with central nervous system disorders are needed.