Timed activity performance in persons with upper limb amputation: A preliminary study.

STUDY

DESIGN

55 subjects with upper limb amputation were administered the T-MAP twice within one week.

PURPOSE: To develop a timed measure of activity performance for persons with upper limb amputation (T-MAP); examine the measure's internal consistency, test-retest reliability and validity; and compare scores by prosthesis use.

INTRODUCTION

Measures of activity performance for persons with upper limb amputation are needed The time required to perform daily activities is a meaningful metric that implication for participation in life roles.

METHODS

Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were evaluated. Construct validity was examined by comparing scores by amputation level. Exploratory analyses compared sub-group scores, and examined correlations with other measures.

RESULTS

Scale alpha was 0.77, ICC was 0.93. Timed scores differed by amputation level. Subjects using a prosthesis took longer to perform all tasks. T-MAP was not correlated with other measures of dexterity or activity, but was correlated with pain for non-prosthesis users.

DISCUSSION: The timed scale had adequate internal consistency and excellent test-retest reliability.

CONCLUSIONS

Analyses support reliability and construct validity of the T-MAP.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2c "outcomes" research.