A comparison of three measures of upper limb function in Friedreich ataxia

Abstract

Friedreich Ataxia (FRDA) is the commonest inherited ataxia. Clinical trials of pharmaceuticals are increasingly being conducted in this condition. This requires the most accurate outcome measures to enable trials to be conducted with a minimum number of subjects in the shortest time frame and to minimize the risk of false negative results. Upper limb function is a major area of morbidity in FRDA. We therefore have compared the performance of three tests of upper limb function in FRDA: the Nine Hole Peg Test (9HPT), Box and Blocks Test (BBT) and Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT). This study was undertaken to ascertain the best test for inclusion in a Friedreich Ataxia Functional Compos..