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Wolf Motor Function Test
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About Wolf Motor Function Test
Scale Name
Wolf Motor Function Test
Author Details
Steven L. Wolf
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), developed by Steven L. Wolf in the early 1980s, is a widely respected assessment tool designed to evaluate upper extremity motor function in individuals recovering from neurological impairments, particularly stroke. Rooted in rehabilitation science and motor control research, the WMFT quantifies the speed, quality, and functional ability of arm movements, offering clinicians and researchers a standardized method to track recovery progress and assess intervention outcomes. Initially created to support studies on constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) a technique pioneered by Wolf himself, the test has since become a gold standard in neurorehabilitation settings worldwide.
The WMFT comprises 17 tasks, ranging from simple joint-specific movements (e.g., forearm supination) to complex functional activities (e.g., folding a towel). Fifteen tasks are timed to measure performance speed, while two strength-based tasks assess grip and shoulder strength. Scores reflect both time (in seconds) and quality of movement, rated on a 6-point Functional Ability Scale (0 = “does not attempt” to 5 = “normal movement”). This dual focus on efficiency and precision makes the WMFT uniquely valuable for capturing motor recovery in real-world contexts. Its applications extend beyond stroke to conditions like traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis, highlighting its versatility in assessing motor deficits across populations.
For clinicians, the WMFT provides actionable data to tailor rehabilitation plans, while researchers rely on its sensitivity to detect changes in motor performance over time. Its cross-cultural adaptability, evidenced by translations into multiple languages, further enhances its utility in global health settings. By bridging the gap between laboratory metrics and everyday functionality, the WMFT remains an essential tool in the field of physical and occupational therapy.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain the copy: Acquire the standardized WMFT protocol and materials, typically available through academic institutions, rehabilitation centers, or authorized distributors, ensuring proper training in its use.
- Explain the purpose: Inform the participant that the test measures upper extremity motor function to assess recovery or therapy effectiveness, emphasizing its role in improving their quality of life.
- Provide instructions: Clearly explain each of the 17 tasks, demonstrating as needed, and instruct the participant to perform them as quickly and accurately as possible using the affected limb.
- Approximate time: Allow approximately 30-45 minutes for completion, depending on the participant’s motor ability and fatigue level, with breaks if necessary.
- Administer the scale: Conduct the test in a controlled, distraction-free environment, timing each task with a stopwatch and rating movement quality per the Functional Ability Scale guidelines.
Reliability and Validity
The Wolf Motor Function Test exhibits robust psychometric properties, ensuring its reliability and validity in assessing upper extremity function. Inter-rater reliability is high, with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) typically exceeding 0.90 for both timed tasks and Functional Ability Scale scores, reflecting consistent scoring across trained examiners. Test-retest reliability is also strong, with ICC values ranging from 0.88 to 0.97, indicating stability in repeated assessments of stable patients.
Validity is well-established through extensive research. Concurrent validity is supported by significant correlations with other motor assessments, such as the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (r = 0.84-0.92) and the Action Research Arm Test. Construct validity is evidenced by its ability to differentiate between varying levels of motor impairment and detect improvements post-intervention, particularly in CIMT studies. Sensitivity to change makes it a preferred outcome measure in clinical trials, while its focus on functional tasks ensures ecological validity for real-life motor performance.
Available Versions
Multiple-Items
Reference
Wolf, S. L., Catlin, P. A., Ellis, M., Archer, A. L., Morgan, B., & Piacentino, A. (2001). Assessing Wolf motor function test as outcome measure for research in patients after stroke. Stroke, 32(7), 1635–1639. https://doi.org/10.1161/01.str.32.7.1635
Taub, E., Morris, D. M., Crago, J., King, D. K., Bowman, M., Bryson, C., … & Shaw, S. E. (2011). Wolf motor function test (WMFT) manual. Birmingham: University of Alabama, CI Therapy Research Group, 1-31.
Wolf SL, Thompson PA, Morris DM, et al. The EXCITE Trial: Attributes of the Wolf Motor Function Test in Patients with Subacute Stroke. Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair. 2005;19(3):194-205. doi:10.1177/1545968305276663
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Wolf Motor Function Test used for?
It assesses upper extremity motor function, primarily in stroke survivors.
How many tasks are in the WMFT?
It includes 17 tasks, 15 timed and 2 strength-based.
Who developed the Wolf Motor Function Test?
It was developed by Steven L. Wolf.
How long does the WMFT take to complete?
It takes about 30-45 minutes.
Is the WMFT reliable?
Yes, it has high inter-rater and test-retest reliability (ICC > 0.88).
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