Aim: Reaching Performance Scale for Stroke (RPSS) evaluates the upper limb reach-to-grasp movement quality and compensatory movements. The objective of the study was to test the reliability, construct validity, and interpretability of the Brazilian-Portuguese RPSS.
Methods: Fifty-one individuals (mean age 62 ± 10.8 years), with acute-to-chronic stroke (range: 1-300 months) were video recorded while performing a reach-to-grasp task of a cone placed both close and far from the individual. Their degree of motor impairment ranged from 4 to 59 points in the Fugl-Meyer scale.
Results: Reaching Performance Scale for Stroke showed excellent intra- (ICC2,1 = 1.00) and interrater (ICC2,1 = 0.98-0.99) reliability, and redundant internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.98). The construct validity between RPSS and Fugl-Meyer scale was strong (Spearman rho = 0.88-0.89; p < 0.0001). The scale was able to discriminate individuals with mild or moderate upper limb impairment from those with severe impairment. We found ceiling and floor effects.
Conclusions: Reaching Performance Scale for Stroke showed excellent reliability and redundant internal consistency. The construct validity with the Fugl-Meyer scale was strong. Reaching Performance Scale for Stroke was able to discriminate individuals with different levels of upper limb impairment.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONPost-stroke individuals develop compensatory strategies to perform reaching movements with the paretic upper limb.The Reaching Performance Scale for Stroke provides a quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the reach-to-grasp movement.The Reaching Performance Scale for Stroke is suitable for use with Brazilian-Portuguese speakers and has adequate reliability and validity.
Keywords: Stroke; hemiparesis; reaching; reproducibility of results; upper extremity.