This test was originally developed to assess basic functional modalities of the arm and hand in individuals cervical SCIs. It assesses positioning and stabilization of the arms, opening and closing of the functional hand, grasping and releasing of the hands, and manipulation of the thumbs and fingers (Post et al. 2006). The VLT-SV assesses forward reaching, arm extension against gravity, thumb closure, finger strength, pen grip, lighting a match and opening a bottle (Spooren et al. 2006).

Number of items: 10

Procedure/Administration: Clinician administered standardized performance test. All tasks are performed while the patient is seated in their wheelchair for the “best hand” only.  The VLT-SV is scored on a 6-point scale, where 0 = task was not possible, and 5 = highest level of accomplishment. Individual item scores take into acount the 1) ability to complete the task; 2) behavioural quality of performance (e.g./accuracy of task completion); and 3) independence in performing the task without using external support (e.g./assistance of the contra-lateral arm).

How scored: A total score may be calculated by summing the scores of all 10 items.

Interpretability: Scores range from 0 to 50 with higher scores indicating greater functional ability.

Acceptability: It was developed with the cervical SCI population in mind, implying appropriate item selection / challenge. During administration of the test, the patient and clinician together identify for the best way to complete the task.

Languages: The test’s measurement properties have only been assessed for the Dutch version. English and German versions are available but the measurement properties have yet to be tested.

Usability: N/a

Time to administer: 25 – 35 minutes

Time to score: N/a

Training required: N/a

Availability: N/a

Equipment required: Current published literature does not provide details about standardization of the test (e.g./ table heights, distance of reaching tasks, etc.)

Summary:The VLT-SV presents as a promising new measure that should be able to capture evidence of change in hand function.

Psychometric Summary

Note: TR= Test re-test; IC= Internal Consistency; Inter-O= Inter-observer; Intra-O= Intra-observer; SS= Sensitivity/Specificity; N/a= No information.

Red light= A single study involving SCI subjects which has less than adequate findings of reliability, validity, and/or responsiveness.

Yellow light= A single study involving subjects with SCI which has adequate to excellent findings of reliability, validity, and/or responsiveness.

Green light= At least 2 studies involving subjects with SCI which have adequate to excellent findings of reliability, validity, and/or responsiveness.

References

• Post MWM, van Lieshout F, Seelen HAM, Snoek GJ, IJzerman MJ, Pons C. Measurement properties of the short version of the Van Lieshout test for arm/hand function of persons with tetraplegia after spinal cord injury. Spinal Cord 2006; 44: 763-771
• Spooren AI, Janssen-Potten YJ, Post MW, Kerckhofs E, Nene A, Seelen HA. Measuring change in arm hand skilled performance in persons with a cervical spinal cord injury: responsiveness of the Van Lieshout Test. Spinal Cord 2006; 44: 772-779.