Evaluation of functional capacity after stroke as a basis for active intervention. Validation of a modified chart for motor capacity assessment.

A chart for assessing motor capacity after acute stroke modified after Fugl-Meyer et al. (3) has been constructed. Construct validity was investigated by factor analysis performed on admission values of 231 patients with acute stroke. Three factors representing upper and lower extremity function and standing leg movements, respectively, explained 90-92% of the variance of the variables. On estimation of the convergent/concurrent validity by the Spearman's rank-difference correlation method, high coefficients were found between the modified chart and the other main instruments used in the study. The predictive validity of the motor scoring on admission was significant. In addition, functional group on admission gave some information concerning what type of care the patients might need after discharge. The modified chart for assessment of motor capacity has proved to be a valid tool with a satisfactory predictive capacity for survival and the outcome of the motor function.