Evaluation of the graded redefined assessment of strength, sensibility and prehension (GRASSP) in children with tetraplegia

Abstract

Study design: Psychometric study. Objective: To validate the GRASSP in pediatric SCI populations and establish the lower age of test administration. Setting: United States: Pennsylvania, Maryland, Illinois, Michigan, California, Texas. Methods: Mean, SD and range of scores were calculated and examined for known-group differences. Test-retest reliability was measured by the intra-class correlation, concurrent validity of the GRASSP against the SCIM, SCIM-SS, and the CUE-Q was measured by the Spearman correlation. Results: GRASSP scores differed between participants with motor complete and incomplete injuries (p = <0.0001−0.036). Test-retest reliability was strong (ICC = 0.99). Weak correlation with the total SCIM (r = 0.33−0.66), and moderate to strong correlation with the SCIM-SC (r = 37−0.70) and CUE-Q (r = 0.40−0.84). Conclusion: Results support the validity of the GRASSP and provide evidence that the scores are reliable when administered to children. The GRASSP sensory and strength subtests are recommended for children beginning at 6 years of age, and the GRASSP prehension performance/ability subtest for children beginning at 8 years of age. Normative data are needed for the performance components of the GRASSP.