The MAL is a scripted, structured interview to measure real-world upper extremity function. It was developed to measure the effects of constraint-induced movement therapy on the more impaired arm following stroke.
The original MAL consists of 14 activities of daily living (ADLs) such as using a towel, brushing teeth, and picking up a glass. For a specified time period post-stroke, the individual is asked about the extent of the activity performed and how well it was performed by the more impaired arm. The response scale ranges from 0 (never used) to 5 (same as pre-stroke). The mean of the scores for frequency of the activity comprises the Amount of Use (AOU) scale; the mean of the scores for how well the activity was performed comprises the Quality of Movement (QOM) scale. Ideally, ratings are obtained from the individual with a stroke as well as a knowledgeable informant (caregiver).
After the initial rating of the MAL,...