Introduction: Action research arm test (ARAT) assesses fine motor abilities, lifting and movement of the objects, and gross movements. It was designed for patients after stroke and traumatic brain injury, but it is in use in other populations as well. The purpose was to review the measurement properties of ARAT. Methods: Studies of ARAT measurement properties identified in MEDLINE, CINAHL in Science Direct and reference lists at RehabMeasures, StrokEngine and the articles were included in the review. Results: 39 studies were reviewed. ARAT has excellent reliability in patients after stroke, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease, and high reliability in patients with transplantation at the upper limb. Ability to detect change in patients after stroke and with spinal cord injury is moderate to good. Construct validity was established in patients after stroke and with multiple sclerosis. Additionally, concurrent validity was established in patients with traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury. Floor and ceiling effects, clinical important difference and predictive validity were established only in patients after stroke. Conclusion: ARAT is appropriate for use in patients after stroke at various stages. Its use is increasing in other patients’ populations in which some measurement properties need investigation.
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