What does Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) stand for?

From the Guidelines

ARAT stands for Action Research Arm Test, which is a standardized assessment tool used to evaluate upper limb function and motor recovery after stroke or other neurological injuries. The test consists of 19 movement tasks divided into 4 sub-tests (grasp, grip, pinch, and gross arm movement) and assesses a patient’s ability to handle objects differing in size, weight, and shape 1. Each task is scored on a 3-point functional ability scale, with values ranging from 0 (not able to perform any part of the test) to 3 (movement appears to be normal), and the maximum score on the ARAT is 57 points (possible range 0 to 57) 1.

Key Features of ARAT

• The ARAT has excellent inter-rater and test-retest reliability for assessment in chronic stroke, and strong evidence of responsiveness 1
• The ARAT reflects measurement at the activity domain level and has an established anchor-based minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for chronic stroke 1
• The test is widely used in clinical settings and research to measure changes in upper extremity function over time and to assess the effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions

Administration and Scoring

• The test typically takes about 10 minutes to administer and requires specific standardized equipment including wooden blocks, balls, and other objects of various sizes
• The ARAT is one of the recommended outcome measures for upper extremity function in chronic stroke, along with the Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity scale and the Wolf Motor Function Test 1

From the Research

Definition of ARAT

• The Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) is a measure of upper limb activity limitations in people with acquired brain injuries 2.
• It is used to classify upper limb motor outcome after stroke in different categories 3.
• The ARAT has been used to evaluate recovery of upper-extremity function after an acute stroke in patients undergoing inpatient rehabilitation 4.

Purpose of ARAT

• The primary purpose of the ARAT is to measure upper limb impairment and activity limitations in individuals with stroke or other acquired brain injuries 2, 5.
• It is also used to assess the effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions and to monitor changes in upper limb function over time 5, 4.

Administration of ARAT

• The original ARAT consists of 19 items, but shorter versions have been developed to reduce administration time 5, 3.
• The test can be administered in-person or remotely via video call, and it has been used in various clinical and research settings 3, 6.