Fugl-Meyer Assessment of sensorimotor function

Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Sensorimotor Function

The Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Sensorimotor Function (FMA) is a widely used clinical tool for evaluating motor function, balance, sensation, and joint functioning in individuals who have experienced a stroke. It is considered one of the most comprehensive and reliable measures for assessing post-stroke recovery.

History

The Fugl-Meyer Assessment was developed in the early 1970s by Axel Fugl-Meyer and his colleagues. It was designed to provide a quantitative measure of motor recovery following a stroke, based on the natural progression of motor recovery observed in patients.

Components

The Fugl-Meyer Assessment is divided into several sections, each focusing on different aspects of sensorimotor function:

Motor Function

The motor function section is the largest component of the FMA and is further divided into assessments for the upper and lower extremities. It evaluates voluntary movement, reflex activity, and coordination.

Balance

The balance section assesses the patient's ability to maintain balance while sitting and standing. It includes tests for both static and dynamic balance.

Sensation

The sensation section evaluates the patient's ability to perceive light touch and proprioception. It is important for understanding the sensory deficits that may accompany motor impairments.

Joint Range of Motion

This section measures the range of motion in various joints, assessing both passive and active movements.

Joint Pain

The joint pain section evaluates the presence and severity of pain in different joints, which can impact rehabilitation and recovery.

Scoring

The Fugl-Meyer Assessment uses a three-point ordinal scale for scoring each item, with 0 indicating the inability to perform the task, 1 indicating partial ability, and 2 indicating full ability. The maximum score for the entire assessment is 226, with higher scores indicating better sensorimotor function.

Clinical Use

The Fugl-Meyer Assessment is primarily used in clinical settings to assess the progress of stroke rehabilitation. It helps clinicians to identify specific areas of impairment and to tailor rehabilitation programs to the needs of individual patients.

Limitations

While the Fugl-Meyer Assessment is comprehensive, it is time-consuming to administer and requires trained personnel. Additionally, it may not fully capture the complexity of motor recovery in all patients.

See Also

• Stroke rehabilitation
• Motor control
• Neuroplasticity