Establishing validity of a modified Melbourne Assessment for children ages 2 to 4 years

Am J Occup Ther. 2008 Jul-Aug;62(4):373-83. doi: 10.5014/ajot.62.4.373.

Abstract

Background: The Melbourne Assessment of Unilateral Upper Limb Function is a valid tool for measuring quality of upper-limb movement in children ages 5 to 15 with cerebral palsy. This study presents the first phase in establishing the validity of a modified version of the assessment for children ages 2 to 4.

Objective: We sought to determine whether children without neurological impairment scored within the top 5% on the modified assessment, to investigate compliance with test demands, and to investigate the relationship between the modified tool and the Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test.

Method: The test was modified and administered to 32 children without neurological impairment ages 2 to 4.

Results: All children ages 2.5 to 4 scored as expected and were compliant with test demands.

Conclusion: The Modified Melbourne Assessment may be used with children ages 2.5 to 4 without neurological impairment. Investigation with children with neurological impairment is now indicated.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Cerebral Palsy / physiopathology*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diagnostic Techniques, Neurological*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Upper Extremity / physiopathology*