Construct Validity of the Upper-Limb Interlimb Coordination Test in Stroke.
Roni Molad, Mindy F Levin
PMID 34715755WHAT IT FOUND
When movement speed was matched, the timing of both forearm movements was similar, but stroke participants scored lower on the Interlimb Coordination Test and used more trunk rotation and shoulder abduction.
The test observes both arms together, not only the weaker arm.
Key findings
01Healthy participants scored 5.6 of 6 points on the Interlimb Coordination Test, and participants with chronic stroke scored 4.6 of 6 points.
02When movement speed was matched, objective timing and coordination measures were similar between groups, but stroke participants used more trunk rotation, trunk side flexion, and shoulder abduction.
03In people with stroke, the clinical test score was related to timing of forearm movements when they moved fast, but it was not related to standard arm and hand tests.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
Only 13 healthy participants and 13 participants with chronic stroke were analysed, after two stroke participants were excluded for severe cognitive impairments and two controls and two stroke participants were excluded for technical problems. Stroke participants were chronic, mild-to-moderate, and excluded severe cognitive, language, ataxia, or apraxia problems, so results may not apply to earlier recovery or more complex patients. The task uses equal, opposite forearm rotations, not everyday asymmetrical bimanual tasks such as tying shoelaces. The test scores did not relate to standard clinical assessments, so this study does not show the test predicts everyday function. The authors say the sample was small but report high obtained power; this is an author claim, not a direct measure of validity.
Declared interests
The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest and received no financial support for the research, authorship, or publication.
The easy way to misread this
Do not treat the Interlimb Coordination Test as a validated measure of everyday bimanual function. It was tested only in people with chronic stroke and mild-to-moderate arm impairment, and its scores did not correlate with standard clinical assessments.