ICF-linking and psychometric properties of upper extremity mobility outcome measures in spinal cord injury – a scoping review

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2024 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2022.2161867 · Published: February 1, 2024

Spinal Cord Injury Mental Health Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

This study explores ways to measure how well people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) can use their arms and hands. It looks at different tests used in rehabilitation and research. The study checks how reliable and accurate these tests are, which is important for tracking progress in rehabilitation. By linking these tests to a standard framework (ICF), the study helps to understand which aspects of arm and hand function each test covers.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Four outcome measures and nine psychometric studies

Evidence Level

Scoping review

Key Findings

1
Four outcome measures (GRASSP, AuSpinal, SHFT, TRI-HFT) and nine psychometric studies were selected.
2
GRASSP showed the most extensive psychometric properties, demonstrating eligible reliability and validity.
3
More research is needed on the psychometrics of other outcome measures in people with spinal cord injuries before the outcome measures can be unconditionally recommended.

Research Summary

This scoping review aimed to explore outcome measures used in upper extremity rehabilitation and research for spinal cord injury, and to investigate their psychometric properties. The review identified several outcome measures, linking them to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) to assess their coverage of upper extremity mobility aspects. The Graded Redefined Assessment of Strength, Sensibility and Prehension (GRASSP) demonstrated the most comprehensive psychometric properties, suggesting its suitability for evaluating upper extremity mobility in SCI rehabilitation and research.

Practical Implications

Clinical Practice

GRASSP can be recommended for use in evaluating upper extremity mobility in SCI rehabilitation and research, but caution is advised due to the lack of quality assessment of the studies.

Research

More research is needed on the psychometrics of other outcome measures in people with spinal cord injuries to validate their use.

Standardization

The use of ICF-linking helps to standardize the assessment of outcome measures, providing a framework for understanding the areas and structures that each measure covers.

Study Limitations

1
Limited psychometric studies available for many outcome measures in the SCI population.
2
Potential for outdated information due to the age of some studies.
3
Lack of quality assessment of the included studies, which could introduce bias.

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