The minimum clinically important difference and minimal detectable change in the assessment of upper limb function after stroke: A systematic review

Abstract

[Objective] To investigate and summarize the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) in the assessment of upper limb function after stroke. [Methods] Studies that calculated the MCID using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), and the Motor Activity Log (MAL) were extracted from multiple search databases. [Results] Four FMA (4.0-12.4 points), one ARAT (12-17 points), and one MAL (1.0-1.1 points) studies were included, all of which differed in terms of time since stroke onset and intervention details. [Conclusion] It is necessary to consider the subjects and intervention conditions of each study when referring to MCID values for the assessment of upper limb function after stroke.