ABSTRACT

Objective : The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of a hemiplegic motor behavior test as applied to hemiplegic stroke patients.Methods : The subjects consisted of 34 stroke patients from the Korea National Rehabilitation Center in Seoul. The Hemiplegic Motor Behavior Tests(HMBTs) were divided into three areas(upper extremities, hands and fingers, and lower extremities) on a six-point ordinal scale(stages 1-6). The HMBT/U/E․H/F score was compared with Barthel Index(BI), Hand Movement Scale(HMS), and Brunstrumm Stage Scale (BBS-Arm/hand). and the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke patients(PASS-MP/CP), Trunk Control Test(TCT), Modified Rankin Scale(MRS) were analyzed using a Pearson product correlation. Intra-rater reliability was measured by comparing the results from the therapists who examined the patients twice. To determine inter-rater reliability, the results of both therapist who observed the patient simultaneously were compared. The intra-rater, inter-rater reliability was measured using the kappa coefficient and intraclasscorrelation coefficient. The internal consistency of the scale was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha.Results : Intra-rater and Inter-rater reliability were high; kappa values and ICC values for different items ranged from .960 to .950, .995 to .994, and from .918 to .959, .986 to .990, respectively. The internal consistency was excellent (Cronbach's alpha = 0.931). There were significant correlations between the HMBT and MBI (r=.64 to .66), MRS (r=-.63 to -.71), HMS (r=.82), BBS-Arm/hand (r=.81 to .82), PASS-MP/CP (r=.42 to .52), and TCT (r=-.55 to .64).Conclusion : The HMBT is acceptable for the evaluation of motor behavior of stroke patients in clinical practice. These findings provide strong evidence of the predictive value of motor behavior tests on ADL function, independence state, and performance of U/E functionality in stroke patients. A guideline for the treatment and level of quality of motor behavior can be derived from the assessment.