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Print version
The Melbourne Assessment of unilateral upper limb function
The Melbourne Assessment measures quality of unilateral upper limb movement in children with neurological conditions, aged 5-15 years. The assessment is designed to be a simple, easy to administer test that provides general information about levels of ability/disability rather than specific diagnostic information.
It consists of 16 items that involve reach, grasp, release and manipulation. A child's performance is recorded on videotape for subsequent scoring. Each test item has an individual scoring system so that various aspects of the movement can be considered such as: range of movement; accuracy of reach and placement; fluency of reach and release and developmental level of grasp. A score sheet involving 37 sub-skill scores each consisting of a three, four or five point scale is used to record results, thus a numerical value is given for the child's level of performance on each sub-skill measured. The test items and scoring system aim to be representative of the most important components of upper limb function.
Studies of the psychometric properties of the Melbourne Assessment have established its validity and reliability for test-retest and score- rescore repeatability. The assessment can be used to evaluate a wide range of treatment approaches including therapy techniques, surgical, neurological and mechanical interventions. The Melbourne Assessment also provides information applicable to a variety of clinical, research and teaching activities. It enables comparison of a child's performance over time for therapists, parents and teachers and assists in determining service and program priorities.
A project developed jointly by the Departments of Occupational Therapy & Developmental Medicine, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne.
Order forms
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Download Australian order form (PDF 40 KB)
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Download International order form (PDF 36 KB)
Examples
The Melbourne Assessment package contains the kit of test equipment, a pad of 50 score sheets and the test administration manual.
Test item 2: Reach forwards to an elevated position.
Three aspects of movement quality are scored on this item: range of movement, fluency of movement and accuracy of movement.
Test item 4: Grasp of crayon.
This item scores the developmental level of the grasping action.
Test item 6: Release of crayon.
Three aspects of movement quality are scored: range of movement, quality of the releasing action and accuracy of release
Test item 9: Manipulation.
Two aspects of movement quality are scored: finger dexterity and fluency of finger movements.
Download examples of scoring criteria (PDF 173 KB)
Resources
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Training for reliable scoring (PDF 76KB)
More information...
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