Estimating Minimal Clinically Important Differences of Upper-Extremity Measures Early After Stroke

Frequency of subjects' perceived change ratings. Subjects are grouped by whether the dominant or the nondominant upper extremity was affected by the stroke. Perceived change ratings: 1, much better; 2, a little better, meaningful; 3, a little better, not meaningful; 4, about the same; 5, a little worse, not meaningful; 6, a little worse, meaningful; 7, much worse.

Mean change scores in impairment level measures by perceived change ratings and upper extremity affected. (A) Grip strength in the affected hand, measured in kilograms as part of the WMFT. (B) Composite upper-extremity strength on the affected side; values are expressed as ratios of the unaffected upper extremity. Error bars represent SEs. Perceived change ratings: 1, much better; 2, a little better, meaningful; 3, a little better, not meaningful; 4, about the same.

Mean change scores in activity level measures by perceived change ratings and upper extremity affected. (A) ARAT; (B) WMFT time score; and (C) WMFT function score. Error bars represent SEs. Perceived change ratings: 1, much better; 2, a little better, meaningful; 3, a little better, not meaningful; 4, about the same.

Mean change scores in participation level measures by perceived change ratings and upper extremity affected. (A) MAL quality of movement score. (B) Duration of affected upper-extremity use, measured by wrist accelerometers and expressed in hours. Error bars represent SEs. Perceived change ratings: 1, much better; 2, a little better, meaningful; 3, a little better, not meaningful; 4, about the same.