by Mark L Canny, OTR, et al.
September 2, 2009
[Note: The box and block test counts how many of 150 blocks the seated subject can transfer from one box, over a vertical divider, to another box within 60 seconds; testing each arm in turn.]
Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the reliability of the Box and Block (B&B) Test of Manual Dexterity for upper-extremity function in patients with fibromyalgia and to compare their results with those of healthy control participants.
Method: We assessed reliability of the B&B Test within and between testers using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). We compared fibromyalgia patient (n = 30) and control group (n = 30) scores using analysis of variance and population-based normative data.
Results: The B&B Test was reliable with ICCs of .90 to .85.
Fibromyalgia patients' B&B Test scores were significantly lower (more impaired) than those of the control group and standardized norms.
Conclusions:
• The B&B Test is a reliable measure of upper-extremity function in fibromyalgia patients
• And is able to reveal a reduction in upper-extremity function in these patients compared with both healthy control participants and normative scores.
Source: American Journal of Occupational Therapy, Jul-Aug 2009;63(4): 506-10. PMID: 19708480, by Canny ML, Thompson JM, Wheeler MJ. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
|
