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Reliability and validity of the Arthritis Hand Function Test in adults with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma).
J L Poole1, M Gallegos, S O'Linc
1Occupational Therapy Program, Department of Orthopaedics, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131-5641, USA.
Summary
The Arthritis Hand Function Test (AHFT) demonstrates excellent reliability and validity for assessing hand function in individuals with systemic sclerosis, supporting its clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Musculoskeletal Diseases
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Systemic sclerosis (SSc) frequently impacts hand function, affecting daily activities.
- Accurate assessment tools are crucial for monitoring disease progression and treatment efficacy in SSc patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the interrater and test-retest reliability of the Arthritis Hand Function Test (AHFT).
- To determine the concurrent validity of the AHFT against established measures in individuals with systemic sclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Two independent raters assessed AHFT performance in 20 women with SSc.
- Test-retest reliability was assessed 7-10 days later.
- Concurrent validity was examined using the Health Assessment Questionnaire and Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales 2 (AIMS2).
Main Results:
- Excellent interrater reliability was observed (ICC = 0.99-1.00).
- Test-retest reliability was excellent for most items (ICC = 0.80-0.97) and moderate for others (ICC = 0.57-0.73).
- Moderate correlations were found between AHFT items and AIMS2 (r = 0.45-0.69).
Conclusions:
- The AHFT exhibits strong reliability and validity for measuring hand function in systemic sclerosis.
- Findings support the AHFT's utility in clinical settings for SSc patients.
