Stephen Ashford

Initial psychometric evaluation of the Arm Activity Measure (ArmA): a measure of activity in the hemiparetic arm

Objective: To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Arm Activity Measure (ArmA), a patient-reported measure of active and passive function in the paretic upper limb. Design: Psychometric evaluation study. Setting: Two specialist rehabilitation and spasticity management services. Method: Patients (n = 92) with upper limb paresis were recruited from two specialist neurorehabilitation centres. Mean age 44.5 (SD 16.7). Diagnostic distribution: stroke 48 (52%); other brain injury 28 (31%); or other neurological condition 16 (17%). Evaluation of convergent and divergent validity; unidimensionality, scaling, reliability (internal consistency and test–retest); responsiveness to change and feasibility of the ArmA were undertaken. Results: Expected convergent and divergent relationships were seen with the Leeds Adult Spasticity Impact Scale and the Disabilities of Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH) (rho 0.5–0.63). Principal components analysis confirmed that active and passive function formed two separate constructs in each sub-scale. Mokken analysis corroborated the findings of the principal components analysis and demonstrated scaling using the monotone homogeneity model (Item H>0.5 for all items). Cronbach’s alpha was 0.85 and 0.96, respectively, for the passive and active function subscales. Item level test–retest agreement ranged from 92-97.5% (quadratic-weighted Kappa 0.71-0.94). In the subgroup treated for spasticity with botulinum toxin (n = 58), the ArmA passive function scale identified a significant difference between responder and non-responder groups (Mann Whitney U = 0.85, p < 0.01). Respondents reported the ArmA to be relevant (77%), easy to use (90%) and timely to complete (83% under 10 minutes). Conclusion: The ArmA is a valid and reliable tool feasible for use in the evaluation of upper limb function in the context of treatment for spasticity.

Management of shoulder and proximal upper limb spasticity using botulinum toxin and concurrent therapy interventions: A preliminary analysis of goals and outcomes

Purpose. To explore the role of Botulinum Toxin type A (BoNT-A) in the management of the spastic hemiplegic shoulder and identify the common achievable goals for treatment. Method. Set in a regional spasticity management service in the UK, a prospective observational cohort study was undertaken. Patients (n = 16) were receiving BoNT-A (Dysport©) injection and concurrent therapy for spasticity of the shoulder girdle or proximal upper limb following stroke/other acquired brain injury. Mean age 54.5 (SD 15.7) years. Mean time since injury: 15.7 months. Functional goals for intervention were determined through agreement with the patient or their carers using Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS). Evaluation of spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale), pain (numbered graphic rating scale) and three standard passive function tasks (washing, dressing and positioning) were also undertaken. Results. Sixteen weeks post-injection, significant improvements were identified in spasticity (Z = −3.535, p <0.0001), pain (Z = −1.942, p = 0.052) and passive function (Z = −3.172, p = 0.002). GAS scores had improved in all but one subject, with goals either achieved or over-achieved. Conclusions. BoNT-A injection of the proximal upper limb, with combined therapy, produced a reduction in spasticity, improvement in passive function and pain. Management of upper limb spasticity should include evaluation and, if necessary treatment, of the shoulder girdle and proximal musculature.

Conceptualisation and development of the arm activity measure (ArmA) for assessment of activity in the hemiparetic arm

Abstract Purpose: To develop a patient reported outcome measure of active and passive function in the hemiparetic upper limb. Methods: Potential items for inclusion were identified through (a) systematic review and analysis of existing measures and (b) analysis of the primary goals for treatment in a spasticity service. Item reduction was achieved through consultation with a small, purposively selected multi-disciplinary group of experienced rehabilitation professionals (n = 10) in a three-round Delphi process. This was followed by a confirmatory survey with a larger group of clinicians (n = 36) and patients and carers (n = 13 pairs). Results: From an initial shortlist of 75 items, 23 items were initially identified for inclusion in the arm activity measure (ArmA), and subsequently refined to a 20-item instrument comprising 7 passive and 13 active function. In common with the six measures identified in the systematic review, a five-point ordinal scaling structure was chosen, with ratings based on activity over the preceding 7 days. Conclusions: The ArmA is designed to measure passive and active function following focal interventions for the hemiparetic upper limb. Content and face validity have initially been addressed within the development process. The next phase of development has involved formal evaluation of psychometric properties. Implications for Rehabilitation In clinical practice or research, outcome measures in rehabilitation need to have face and content validity. Following stroke or brain injury, goals for rehabilitation of the hemiparetic upper limb may be: to restore active function, if there is return of motor control or to improve passive function making it easier to care for the limb (e.g. maintain hygiene) if no motor return is possible, measurement of both constructs should be considered. This study describes the systematic development of the ArmA, a measure of active and passive function in the hemiparetic upper limb.

Serial injection of botulinum toxin for muscle imbalance due to regional spasticity in the upper limb

Background and purpose. Three-dimensional movement in the upper limb presents a challenge for functional management of regional spasticity. Potential toxicity of botulinum toxin limits the number of muscles which may be injected in any one session. Serial injection may offer a solution, but carries theoretical risk of development of resistance due to antibody formation. This article reviews a small case series, gathered in a post-acute neuro-rehabilitation setting, to evaluate the use of serial botulinum toxin injection in terms of goal achievement and clinical evidence for toxicity or resistance. Methods. Nine patients with regional spasticity following acute stroke or brain injury had serial injection of botulinum toxin to muscle groups around the shoulder, elbow and/or wrist. Injection was followed by splinting/physiotherapy as appropriate. Goal attainment scaling was used to assess outcome. Results. Functional goals achieved were reduction of pain (n = 6/7) associated reaction (n = 4/5) or care needs (n = 5/6), improved gait (n = 2/3) or independence in self-care (n = 2/5). Two ‘golden responder’ cases are presented in detail to demonstrate resolution of symptoms with up to four serial injections of botulinum toxin over a period of up to 6 months. No clinical evidence of toxicity or resistance was seen in any case. Conclusion. These preliminary findings suggest that serial botulinum toxin injection followed by appropriate physiotherapy/splinting may provide effective treatment for regional spasticity. Resistance has not presented a problem in this post-acute situation, where treatment has not been required beyond a few months. Ongoing evaluation is underway.

Serial measurement of Wessex Head Injury Matrix in the diagnosis of patients in vegetative and minimally conscious states: a cohort analysis

Objective To evaluate serial application of the Wessex Head Injury Matrix (WHIM) in diagnosis of prolonged disorders of consciousness (PDOC). Specifically, to determine whether the trajectory of change predicts outcome status, and whether the current hierarchical order of WHIM items is correct for this context. Design Analysis of prospectively gathered clinical cohort data. Setting Consecutive admissions to a tertiary in-patient neurorehabilitation service for evaluation of PDOC in real-life clinical practice, over a 10-year period (2004–2014). Participants Patients (n=65) presenting in sudden-onset vegetative (VS) or minimally conscious states (MCS). Mean age 38.4 (sd14.1) years; male:female ratio 66%:33%. Aetiology of brain injury: 40(62%) traumatic; 12(19%) vascular; 11(17%) hypoxic; 3(3%) other. Primary outcome measure WHIM alongside detailed clinical evaluation. Methods The WHIM was administered serially by the multidisciplinary team throughout an in-patient evaluation programme (mean length 74 (sd42) days). Patients were divided into four groups, according to PDOC status on discharge (VS, MCS-Minus, MCS-Plus or Emerged). Results WHIM hierarchical scores (Most Advanced Behaviour (MAB)) correlated with PDOC status at discharge (Pearson r=0.49, p<0.001). In the original order, the MAB distinguished the ‘VS’, ‘MCS’ and ‘Emerged’ categories (analysis of variance (ANOVA) post hoc p<0.001), but not the subgroups of MCS-Minus and MCS-Plus. In stepwise regression analysis, MAB-Ex (excluding two items) accounted for 68% of the variance in PDOC status at discharge. On multilevel statistical modelling, trajectory of change in MAB separated the four PDOC groups, both at individual and at group level (p<0.001). After reordering of items, the new-order MAB accounted for more (73%) of the variance in PDOC status, and also distinguished significantly between MCS-Minus and MCS-Plus groups at discharge (p<0.002). Conclusions The WHIM is a useful diagnostic tool in PDOC, and trajectory of change is an important predictor of outcome. The proposed new hierarchical order requires further evaluation in future multicentre analyses.

Common goal areas in the treatment of upper limb spasticity: a multicentre analysis

Objective: We aimed to develop a goal classification of individualised goals for spasticity treatment incorporating botulinum toxin intervention for upper limb spasticity to under-pin a more structured approach to future goal setting. Design: Individualised goals for spasticity treatment incorporating botulinum toxin intervention for upper limb spasticity (n=696) were analysed initially from four studies published in 2008-2012, spanning a total of 18 centres (12 in the UK and 6 in Australia). Goals were categorised and mapped onto the closest matching domains of the WHO International Classification of Functioning. Confirmatory analysis included a further 927 goals from a large international cohort study spanning 22 countries published in 2013. Results: Goal categories could be assigned into two domains, each subdivided into three key goal areas: Domain 1: symptoms/impairment n=322 (46%): a. pain/discomfort n=78 (11%), b. involuntary movements n=75 (11%), c. range of movement/contracture prevention n=162 (23%). Domain 2: Activities/function n=374 (54%): a. passive function (ease of caring for the affected limb) n=242 (35%), b active function (using the affected limb in active tasks) n=84 (12%), c. mobility n=11 (2%). Over 99% of the goals from the large international cohort fell into the same six areas, confirming the international applicability of the classification. Conclusions: Goals for management of upper limb spasticity, in worldwide clinical practice, fall into six main goal areas.

Goal setting, using goal attainment scaling, as a method to identify patient selected items for measuring arm function

OBJECTIVE Following stroke or brain injury, goals for rehabilitation of the hemiparetic upper limb include restoring active function if there is return of motor control or, if none is possible, improving passive function, and facilitating care for the limb. To inform development of a new patient reported outcome measure (PROM) of active and passive function in the hemiparetic upper limb, the Arm Activity measure, we examined functional goals for the upper limb, identified during goal setting for spasticity intervention (physical therapy and concomitant botulinum toxin A interventions). DESIGN Using secondary analysis of a prospective observational cohort study, functional goals determined between patients, their carers and the clinical team were assigned into categories by two raters. Goal category identification, followed by assignment of goals to a category, was undertaken and then confirmed by a second reviewer. PARTICIPANTS Participants comprised nine males and seven females of mean (SD) age 54.5 (15.7) years and their carers. Fifteen had sustained a stroke and one a traumatic brain injury. RESULTS Goals were used to identify five categories: passive function, active function, symptoms, cosmesis and impairment. Two passive function items not previously identified by a previous systematic review were identified. CONCLUSIONS Analysis of goals important to patients and carers revealed items for inclusion in a new measure of arm function and provide a useful alternative method to involve patients and carers in standardised measure development.

Factors influencing goal attainment in patients with post-stroke upper limb spasticity following treatment with botulinum toxin A in real-life clinical practice: sub-analyses from the Upper Limb International Spasticity (ULIS)-II Study.

In this post-hoc analysis of the ULIS-II study, we investigated factors influencing person-centred goal setting and achievement following botulinum toxin-A (BoNT-A) treatment in 456 adults with post-stroke upper limb spasticity (ULS). Patients with primary goals categorised as passive function had greater motor impairment (p < 0.001), contractures (soft tissue shortening [STS]) (p = 0.006) and spasticity (p = 0.02) than those setting other goal types. Patients with goals categorised as active function had less motor impairment (0.0001), contracture (p < 0.0001), spasticity (p < 0.001) and shorter time since stroke (p = 0.001). Patients setting goals for pain were older (p = 0.01) with more contractures (p = 0.008). The proportion of patients achieving their primary goal was not impacted by timing of first-ever BoNT-A injection (medium-term (≤1 year) vs. longer-term (>1 year)) post-stroke (80.0% vs. 79.2%) or presence or absence of severe contractures (76.7% vs. 80.6%), although goal types differed. Earlier BoNT-A intervention was associated with greater achievement of active function goals. Severe contractures impacted negatively on goal achievement except in pain and passive function. Goal setting by patients with ULS is influenced by impairment severity, age and time since stroke. Our findings resonate with clinical experience and may assist patients and clinicians in selecting realistic, achievable goals for treatment.

Validity, reliability and ease of use of the disabilities of arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire in adults following stroke

Abstract Purpose: The Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire is a patient reported outcome measure for evaluating upper limb function in people with musculoskeletal conditions. While the DASH has good psychometric properties when used with people with musculoskeletal conditions, it has not been tested with adults after stroke. Methods: Data for n = 61 adults following stroke (aged 32–93 years, 44% male) were analyzed to test validity and reliability of the DASH for use with a stroke population. Data included demographic and clinical attributes, DASH scores (baseline and four weeks later) and Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) measures. Results: Internal consistency was good (Cronbach alpha 0.92, SEM 6.65). Factor analysis and Rasch modeling suggested that the questionnaire comprised three subscales: pain, impact and function. Concurrent validity between the DASH and PRWE (Spearman’s Rho rs = 0.41) was moderate. The scale was perceived by clinicians to be useful, quick and simple to administer. The DASH had low four-week test-retest reliability (ICC 0.56 [95% Cl 0.05–0.79]). Conclusions: The DASH is considered to have acceptable validity when used with adults following stroke. Test–retest reliability was low but further research is needed to establish whether this is a result of condition-related change or the stability of the measure. Implications for Rehabilitation The DASH questionnaire examines upper limb function in task performance and appears to be a useful tool, which is simple to administer in the clinical setting with adults following stroke. Upper limb function post stroke can be meaningfully assessed using the DASH as it has good internal consistency and moderate concurrent validity. Rasch analysis and factor analysis suggests that the tool appears to consist of three subscales: pain, impact and function. The total score of the DASH may be less meaningful than the totals of these subscales. The test–retest reliability of the DASH requires further research; over a four-week period DASH stability was poor in a group of people with moderate to severe upper limb impairment.

A systematic review protocol to evaluate the psychometric properties of measures of function within adult neuro-rehabilitation

BackgroundSpasticity in the upper limb is common after acquired brain impairment and may have a significant impact on the ability to perform meaningful daily activities. Traditionally, outcome measurement in spasticity rehabilitation has focused on impairment, however, improvements in impairments do not necessarily translate to improvements in an individual’s ability to perform activities or engage in life roles. There is an increasing need for outcome measures that capture change in activity performance and life participation.Methods/DesignWe will conduct a systematic review of the psychometric properties of instruments used to measure upper limb functional outcomes (activity performance and participation) in patients with spasticity. Assessments (n = 27) will be identified from a recently published systematic review of assessments that measure upper limb function in neurological rehabilitation for adults with focal spasticity, and a systematic review of each assessment will then be conducted. The databases MEDLINE, CINAHL and EMBASE will be searched from inception. Search strategies will include the name of the assessment and the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) published search strategy for identifying studies of measurement properties. The methodological rigour of the testing of the psychometric quality of instruments will be undertaken using the Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) checklist. International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) definitions of impairment, activity and participation will be used for content analysis of items to determine the extent to which assessments are valid measures of activity performance and life participation. We will present a narrative synthesis on the psychometric properties and utility of all instruments and make recommendations for assessment selection in practice.DiscussionThis systematic review will present a narrative synthesis on the psychometric properties and utility of assessments used to evaluate function in adults with upper limb focal spasticity. Recommendations for assessment selection in practice will be made which will aid clinicians, managers and funding bodies to select an instrument fit for purpose. Importantly, appropriate assessment selection will provide a mechanism for capturing how applicable to everyday life the outcomes from individualised rehabilitation programs for the upper limb really are.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42014013190