'Innovations in the assessment of hand and upper extremity functionality: Application of qualitative models in measurement property studios'

• Grant number: 25/07379-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: December 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Marisa de Cássia Registro Fonseca
• Grantee: Gabriel Morais Xavier dos Santos
• Supervisor: Mario Lozano-Lozano
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Universidad de Granada (UGR), Spain
• Associated to the scholarship: 24/03580-2 - Assessment of hand and upper limb functionality: analysis of measurement properties and validation of performance tests and questionnaires, BP.DD

Abstract

Background: The upper limb is fundamental in daily life, and hand injuries can have physical, psychological, and social consequences. Patients' perceptions of their injury vary according to multidimensional factors, which influence their recovery process (HANNAH, 2020; SANTOS et al., 2023). It is crucial to carry out comprehensive assessments, especially regarding patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and performance-based outcome measures (PBOMs). Aim: This BEPE project has three main objectives: (1) To deepen the use of qualitative analysis tools, such as IRaMuTeQ and Rayyan, (2) To provide training in qualitative analysis and analyze data from Brazilian studies, (3) To conduct a systematic review to identify PROMs and PBOMs in upper limb rehabilitation and analyze their psychometric properties. Methodology: The study will use qualitative methods such as interviews and analysis with IRaMuTeQ (RATINAUD, 2025) and through thematic analysis (BRAUN & CLARKE, 2006; 2019) to analyze the measurement properties of the Hand Activity Performance Measure (MAP-Hand). The systematic review will seek to identify and evaluate the psychometric properties of PROMs and PBOMs in upper limb rehabilitation. The collaboration with the University of Granada and Dr. Mario Lozano will contribute to the development of advanced qualitative methodologies, improving medical tools in rehabilitation research. (AU)