Systematic Review of Upper‐limb Function Measurement Methods in Botulinum Toxin Intervention for Focal Spasticity

DiscussionThree different patient‐focused methods to evaluate functional outcome following focal spasticity intervention using BoNT have been identified: 1) use of patient report of upper‐limb items (including the Leeds Adult Spasticity Impact Scale and the Disability Assessment Scale), 2) use of a composite measure of function incorporating functional items and 3) Goal Attainment Scaling. None of these methods fully address evaluation of functional outcome in this context but may go some way to recording these improvements. An alternative or complementary measure, recently published, is the Arm Activity Measure for evaluation of active and passive function in this context. The Arm Activity Measure addresses active and passive function changes from the perspective of patients and carers and has been developed for application in this context. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Source: Physiotherapy Research International - April 30, 2013 Category: Physiotherapy Authors: Stephen Ashford, Lynne Turner‐Stokes Tags: Research Article Source Type: research