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Action Research Arm Test

The Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) is an observational rating scale recommended for assessment of upper extremity activity capacity in people with stroke.

ARAT

The Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) is an observational rating scale of upper extremity performance that is frequently used in research and clinical practice. It incorporates 19 items divided into 4 hierarchical subtests: grasp, grip, pinch and gross movement. The scoring is based on the movement performance quality and on the time limit. The maximum total score of 57 indicates normal performance.

The Swedish translation is based on the original article of Lyle et al. from 1981 and Yozbatrian et al. 2008. It is considered to assess the activity capacity according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). The ARAT assessment is recommended as core measures to be used in every stroke recovery and rehabilitation trial.

Publication

Intra-rater and inter-rater reliability at the item level of the Action Research Arm Test for patients with stroke.
Nordin A, Alt Murphy M, Danielsson A.
J Rehabil Med. 2014;46(8):738-45.

ARAT-2

ARAT-2 consists of two test items (pouring water from a glass and hand on the top of the head) from the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT). These tasks are assessed on a 4-grade scale and are summed up to 0–6 points. ARAT-2 can be used as a short screening instrument for assessment and prediction of arm and hand function after stroke at activity capacity level according to ICF.