Qualities of a French version of the Wolf Motor Function Test: A multicenter study

IntroductionThere are currently a small number of standardized tools in French that measure and compare the effect of constraint-induced movement therapy, or other recent therapies promoting motor recoveryObjectiveTo create a French version of the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) and assess its reliability, minimal detectable change, and criterion validity.MethodProspective multicenter repeated-measure design with 44 patients with post stroke hemiparesis. A French Version of the WMFT was created; it was then assessed against the Fugl Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity (French version) to establish its reliability, the minimal detectable change and its validity.ResultsInter-rater reliability was very good. Reproducibility of the scores was good. Cronbach α coefficients showed adequate internal consistency. The minimal detectable change (MDC_95%) for functional ability scores was below 10% of the highest possible score; the MDC_95% for performance time was very high at more than 90 seconds. Criterion validity was good.ConclusionThe French version of the WMFT is reliable and valid. The test shows promise for use as an objective outcome measure for people post stroke in French speaking countries.