Assessment of hand and upper limb functionality: analysis of measurement properties and validation of performance tests and questionnaires

• Grant number: 24/03580-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: January 01, 2025
• End date: December 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Marisa de Cássia Registro Fonseca
• Grantee: Gabriel Morais Xavier dos Santos
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 25/07379-2 - 'Innovations in the assessment of hand and upper extremity functionality: Application of qualitative models in measurement property studios', BE.EP.DD

Abstract

ntroduction: Upper limb dysfunctions can cause devastating damage to both physical structures and the ability to perform meaningful activities. The assessment allows understanding the functional status through self-report questionnaires and performance tests to propose an appropriate treatment. Objective: To analyze the measurement properties of the Jebsen Taylor Hand Functional Test (JTHFT); to conduct a systematic review on the measurement properties of hand and upper limb function assessment instruments; to conduct the translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Measure of Activity Performance Hand (MAP-Hand) and its validation; and to develop a software for physical-functional assessment. Methods: Data will be collected from patients at a university hospital to validate the JTHFT. The translation, cross-cultural adaptation and construct validation of an upper limb functionality questionnaire (MAP-Hand) will also be carried out through focus groups and cognitive interviews. In addition, a systematic review of the measurement properties of self-report questionnaires and upper limb performance tests will be conducted. With the product of the systematic review, an open-access software for use in upper limb assessments will be proposed and developed. Reliability will be analyzed by ICC, construct validity by Spearman's correlation and responsiveness by calculating the least clinically important difference and ROC-AUC curve. The confidence interval will be 95%, p < 0.05. Rstudio will be used for statistical analyses.