New Scoring System for Jebsen Hand Function Test

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To develop a new scoring system for Jebsen Hand Function Test (JHFT) and test validity of the new score scale in stroke patients. METHOD: JHFT and the modified Barthel index upper extremity subtest (MBI-U) were performed on a total of 210 stroke patients at a tertiary university hospital. Based on JHFT raw data, scores were calculated from the existing scoring system and the new one. Validity of scores from each system was evaluated by comparing each score with the MBI-U score. Floor effects of both scoring system were compared. RESULTS: In all the seven subtest items of JHFT, the floor effect of the new scoring system was far lower than that of the existing one. Pearson correlation coefficient between the score from the new scoring system and the MBI-U score was 0.4880 (p<0.0001, n=210). CONCLUSION: 'New score scale' -a scoring system for JHFT based upon new criteria- was presented. New score scale for JHFT has reduced floor effect and is valid in stroke patients.