Measurement properties of the MacHANd Performance Assessment: A pilot study

BACKGROUND: There is a need for a standardized, performance-based hand function assessment with strong psychometric properties to evaluate persons following a traumatic hand injury. PURPOSE: To conduct a preliminary investigation of the reliability and validity of the MacHANd performance assessment (MPA), a new standardized hand function test. METHODS: Forty-one people receiving treatment for hand injuries were evaluated using the MPA, Patient-rated Wrist and Hand Evaluation, and Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test. RESULTS: The MPA demonstrated adequate inter-rater reliability and excellent test-retest reliability, and it confirmed three validation hypotheses. IMPLICATIONS: This pilot study suggests that the MPA has good psychometric properties when used with individuals following a hand injury; however more research is needed.