This study describes development of a new test for measuring functional performance of the upper extremity and neck and assesses reliability and concurrent validity in patients with shoulder pathology. A series of developmental tests were conducted to develop a protocol for assessing upper extremity tasks that required multi-level movement and sustained elevation. Test-retest reliability was assessed on 10 subjects. Then a cohort of 17 patients with mild to moderate shoulder pathology and 19 controls were tested to further validate the Functional Impairment Test-Hand and Neck/Shoulder/Arm (FIT-HaNSA) by comparing it to self-reported function and measured strength. Initial data suggest the FIT-HaNSA provides valid assessment of impaired functional performance in patients with shoulder pathology. It discriminates between patients and controls, is related to self-reported function, and yet provides distinct information. Longitudinal testing is warranted.
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 2007, 8, 42.