Correlation between the action research arm test and the box and block test of upper extremity function in stroke patients

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the present study was to determine the correlation between the scores of the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) and the Box and Block Test (BBT), commonly used tests of upper extremity (UE) function. Material and Method: Forty first-time subacute stroke patients without severe cognitive, language, or motion impairment were administered the ARAT and BBT before and after participating in a 4-week rehabilitation program. Their scores were analyzed by Wilcoxon sign-rank testing and by Spearman's rank correlation, standardized response mean, and scatter-plot analysis. Results: The ARAT and the BBT scores have a high level of responsiveness to change and are highly correlated. The BBT has a floor effect compared with the ARAT while the ARAT has a small ceiling effect compared with the BBT. Conclusion: The ARAT and the BBT scores have excellent concurrent validity and are highly responsive to change, indicating that the BBT can effectively assess UE function.