A scoping review of observation-based tools for assessing use of the upper limb in activities

To summarise information about tools available to rate observed performance in activities, tested with populations with upper limb impairment.
A scoping review was conducted. Articles were included if they reported psychometric properties of tools that could be used with populations with upper limb impairment, had at least one activity item, and item/s involved use of the upper limbs. Information about the tools was extracted, summarised and key findings are presented.
Twenty-seven tools met the inclusion criteria. The results indicated that few tools used client-selected (19%) items or clinician-selected (11%) items. Most tools (70%) used pre-defined items. Fourteen tools (52%) included activity-only items. Eleven tools (41%) had less than half activity items. An in-depth summary of the tools with activity-only items is reported.
Many tools exist for assessing observed performance in activities to examine use of the upper limb. However, there were few tools (N = 6) available that assess observed performance in client-selected activities.

This review can be used as a comprehensive summary of tools that currently exist to assess observed upper limb use or performance in activities for people with upper limb impairment (n = 27).
A small number (n = 6) of assessments of observed performance in client-selected activities were identified that may be accessed by rehabilitation clinicians.
Given the importance of client-centred practice, it is recommended that clinicians and researchers should select, modify and test available assessments that utilise client-selected occupations.

This review can be used as a comprehensive summary of tools that currently exist to assess observed upper limb use or performance in activities for people with upper limb impairment (n = 27).
A small number (n = 6) of assessments of observed performance in client-selected activities were identified that may be accessed by rehabilitation clinicians.
Given the importance of client-centred practice, it is recommended that clinicians and researchers should select, modify and test available assessments that utilise client-selected occupations.