Evaluation of Upper Limb Motor Function in Hemiplegic Patients Following Stroke: A Systematic Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47606/ACVEN/MV0319Keywords:
stroke, hemiplegia, upper extremity, motor assessment, psychometric properties, neurological rehabilitationAbstract
Introduction: Stroke is one of the leading causes of neurological disability worldwide. One of its sequelae is upper limb motor impairment, which significantly impacts patients' functional independence. In this context, the application of reliable and valid assessment tools is essential to guide physical therapy rehabilitation processes. Objective: To identify the most valid and reliable instruments for assessing upper limb motor function in adults with hemiplegia following stroke. Methodology: A systematic review was conducted, including studies on the psychometric properties of motor assessment instruments, following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PEDro, and SciELO between 2015 and 2025. Original studies in adult populations with hemiplegia following stroke that reported the validity, reliability, or sensitivity to change of an upper limb assessment instrument were included. The methodological quality of the studies and instruments was analyzed using the COSMIN tool criteria. Results: Of the 105 initial sources reviewed, the selection process yielded 15 high-quality articles. Among the outstanding instruments, the Fugl-Meyer Assessment demonstrated high internal consistency and reliability; the Action Research Arm Test showed high sensitivity in detecting functional changes; and the Stroke Upper Limb Capacity Scale demonstrated good convergent validity and clinical applicability in rehabilitation settings. Conclusion: The combination of standardized clinical scales and emerging technological tools could improve the functional assessment of the upper limb in rehabilitation.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Alicia Margoth Unda-Vernelle , Pedro Javier Cazorla-Villagrán
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