Table 1.

Referent cut-off values to define severe upper limb impairment and activity on commonly used scales.

Outcome measure	Severity cut-off	Rationale for cut-off
Fugl Meyer Upper Limb Assessment	< 31 out of 66	Consistent with a lack of dexterous hand function
Manual muscle testing	< 3 out of 5	Consistent with a lack of movement against gravity
Motor Assessment Scale: upper arm function	< 3 out of 6	Consistent with an inability to perform a straight-line reach against gravity
Action Research Arm Test	< 15 out of 60	Consistent with a lack of dexterous hand function
Motricity Index, upper limb	< 20 out of 100	Consistent with a lack of dexterous hand function
Frenchay Arm Test	< 2 out of 5	Consistent with a lack of dexterous hand function
NIHSS upper limb item	3 or 4 out of 4	Consistent with a lack of movement against gravity
Mayo Clinic Strength	3 or 4 out of 4	Consistent with a lack of movement against gravity

Note: NIHSS NIH Stroke Severity scale.