Development of an objective test of upper-limb function in tetraplegia: the capabilities of upper extremity test

This study aimed to describe the development, internal consistency, and validity of the Capabilities of Upper Extremity Test (CUE-T) for persons with tetraplegia.

This study used a cross-sectional sample of adults with spinal cord injury. CUE-T items and procedures were developed based on the CUE Questionnaire. Thirty adults with complete and incomplete spinal cord injury, neurologic levels C4-T6, were tested on one occasion. Each received upper limb manual muscle testing and the CUE Questionnaire followed by the CUE-T. Raw item scores were converted to a 0-4 scale. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach alpha. Item score distributions were evaluated for ceiling and floor effects. Spearman correlations of total, right, and left CUE-T scores with upper-limb motor scores and international hand classification were performed.

There were 23 men and 7 women, with an average age of 44.8 yrs. Twenty subjects had motor complete injuries; 13 had motor levels C4-C6, 13 had between C7 and C8, and 4 were T1 or below. The Cronbach alpha for the CUE-T was 0.96. Item score distributions found ceiling effects for the push/pull items, suggesting that these items were too easy. Correlations of right- and left-sided scores with upper-limb motor scores and international hand classification were strong, with all values greater than or equal to 0.89.

The CUE-T displays good internal consistency and excellent construct validity on preliminary testing. Push/pull tests should be revised to increase difficulty. Reliability and responsiveness should be determined.