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Measurement Properties of the Timed Functional Arm and Shoulder Test in Patients With Shoulder Problems
Daniel W Safford1, Kshamata M Shah1, Jeffrey A Turner2
1Department of Physical Therapy, Arcadia University, Glenside, Pennsylvania, USA.
Physical Therapy
|October 27, 2022
Summary
The Timed Functional Arm and Shoulder Test (TFAST) is a feasible and reliable tool for assessing shoulder problems. It demonstrates good validity and responsiveness, making it suitable for clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Physical Therapy
- Clinical Measurement
Background:
- Shoulder problems significantly impact patient function and quality of life.
- Objective performance measures are crucial for evaluating treatment efficacy.
- Existing shoulder performance measures may have limitations in applicability or scope.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the feasibility, reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the Timed Functional Arm and Shoulder Test (TFAST).
- To assess the TFAST's suitability for patients with various shoulder problems.
Main Methods:
- A repeated-measures clinical measurement observational cohort study design.
- 104 symptomatic patients participated across 6 outpatient physical therapy sites.
- Data collected at baseline, within 7 days follow-up, and at discharge.
Main Results:
- The TFAST was feasible for most participants (103/104 at baseline).
- High intrarater intersession reliability (ICC(2,1) = 0.91).
- Significant improvement in TFAST scores from baseline to discharge (mean difference 23.2 repetitions; Cohen d = 1.02).
- Minimal clinically important difference established at 21 repetitions.
Conclusions:
- The TFAST is a feasible and appropriate measure for patients with shoulder problems.
- The TFAST demonstrates adequate reliability, validity, and responsiveness.
- Clinicians can use the TFAST for objective assessment of patient performance.
