Development and Reliability of an Upper Extremity Function Test for the Elderly: The TEMPA

Abstract

Accurate assessment of upper extremity performance is a critical element in determinimg the potential independance of the physically impaired person. An upper extremity function test for the elderly, the TEMPA (Test Évaluant les Membres supérieurs des Personnes Âgées), was developed, involving nine tasks related to routine daily activities. Each task is measured by three sub-scores: speed of execution, functional rating and task analysis. A test-retest and interrater reliability study was conducted with a sample of 29 subjects, aged 62 to 82 years, with various upper extremity impairments and varying degrees of functional independance. Intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from moderate to high (0.70 to 1.0), demonstrating temporal stability and sound agreement between evaluators. A preliminary construct validity study was conducted by correlating score of the TEMPA with functional independance to basic personal care (Spearman's Rho = 0.74). The TEMPA is a reliable instrument that appears to fill a void in the evaluation of the elderly. More psychometric studies are required to confirm its validity.