Evaluation of the Capabilities of Upper Extremity Test (CUE-T) in Children With Tetraplegia

Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil, 2018 · DOI: 10.1310/sci2403-239 · Published: July 1, 2018

Spinal Cord Injury Pediatrics Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

The Capabilities of Upper Extremity Test (CUE-T) is a tool used to assess how well children with spinal cord injuries can use their arms and hands. This study checked if the CUE-T is a reliable and accurate way to measure upper body function in children with cervical spinal cord injuries. They wanted to know if the test gave consistent results and if it truly measured what it was supposed to measure. The study found that the CUE-T is reliable and valid for children older than 6 years, meaning it can be used to track their progress and see how well they are doing with their arm and hand movements after a spinal cord injury.

Study Duration

June 2014 through December 2016

Participants

39 youths with cervical SCI, mean age 12.3 years

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The CUE-T scores showed strong test-retest reliability, meaning the test gave consistent results when administered multiple times.
2
The CUE-T scores had strong internal consistency, meaning the different parts of the test measured similar abilities.
3
Children older than 6 years with mature grasp patterns were able to complete the CUE-T.

Research Summary

This study evaluated the reliability and validity of the Capabilities of Upper Extremity Test (CUE-T) in children with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). The CUE-T scores demonstrated strong test-retest reliability, strong internal consistency, and acceptable individual item agreement. The CUE-T scores are reliable and valid for use in children with cervical SCI older than 6 years of age.

Practical Implications

Clinical Assessment

The CUE-T can be used by therapists to objectively measure upper extremity function in children with SCI.

Treatment Planning

The results of the CUE-T can help therapists develop targeted interventions to improve specific aspects of upper extremity function.

Research Tool

The CUE-T can be used in research studies to evaluate the effectiveness of different treatments for improving upper extremity function in children with SCI.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size limited the ability to evaluate psychometric properties as a function of AIS within each NL group.
2
A relatively large number (n = 7) did not have complete ISNCSCI examinations prior to enrollment.
3
The short duration of 24 hours between the two trials may have led to fatigue or practice effects.

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