What does a higher Fugl-Meyer score mean?

A higher score generally indicates less motor impairment on the tasks included in the assessment.

Can FMA-UE scores be used to track recovery?

Repeated assessments can be used to document changes in upper-extremity motor performance over time.

Does AgainAbility provide FMA-UE score prediction tools?

AgainAbility provides separate FMA-UE prediction pages for survivors and clinicians.

Stroke Motor Recovery

Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper-Extremity Stroke Recovery

The Fugl-Meyer Assessment is a standardized clinical assessment used to evaluate sensorimotor impairment and motor recovery after stroke. Its upper-extremity motor section, commonly called the FMA-UE, includes 33 items and has a maximum score of 66.

For Survivors

Predict My FMA-UE Score

Enter your previous upper-extremity scores and review an estimated recovery trajectory.

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For Clinicians

Clinical FMA-UE Prediction

Enter total scores or detailed assessment data to support clinical recovery tracking.

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AgainAbility prediction results are informational estimates and do not replace evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment by a qualified healthcare professional.

What is the Fugl-Meyer Assessment?

The Fugl-Meyer Assessment was developed as a standardized method for evaluating post-stroke sensorimotor impairment. It is commonly used in rehabilitation practice and stroke research to document motor performance and changes over time.

The full assessment can include motor function, sensation, balance, joint range of motion, and joint pain. In upper-limb rehabilitation, the motor portion of the upper-extremity section is often the primary focus.

What is the FMA-UE?

FMA-UE means Fugl-Meyer Assessment of the Upper Extremity. The motor section includes 33 scored items covering movements of the shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist, hand, and coordination.

Shoulder and elbow movement

Forearm pronation and supination

Wrist stability and movement

Hand and finger function

Movement outside basic synergy patterns

Coordination and speed

How is the FMA-UE scored?

Each of the 33 motor items is typically scored using a three-level ordinal scale.

ScoreGeneral interpretation

0The requested movement cannot be performed.

1The movement can be performed partially.

2The movement can be performed fully for that item.

33 items × maximum 2 points = maximum FMA-UE motor score of 66

What does an FMA-UE score mean?

A higher score generally indicates less motor impairment on the movements included in the assessment. A lower score indicates greater difficulty completing the tested movements.

The total score should not be interpreted by itself as a complete measure of independence, quality of movement, pain, sensation, or everyday arm use. Clinical interpretation should consider the individual item pattern, the timing after stroke, and other relevant assessments.

Tracking FMA-UE recovery over time

Repeated FMA-UE assessments can help document changes in upper-extremity motor performance. Recording both the score and the number of days after stroke makes longitudinal comparisons easier to understand.

Record the date

Save the assessment date and days since stroke.

Keep item details

Preserve the 33 item scores when available.

Compare trends

Review score changes across repeated measurements.

AgainAbility FMA-UE Tools

Continue to an FMA-UE prediction page

Choose the version designed for your role. Both tools are connected directly from this Fugl-Meyer guide.

Survivor FMA-UE Prediction Clinician FMA-UE Prediction

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum FMA-UE motor score?

The motor section has 33 items scored from 0 to 2, producing a maximum score of 66.

Does a higher score always mean normal arm use?

Not necessarily. The score reflects performance on the assessment items and does not capture every aspect of real-world arm use.

Can the FMA-UE be repeated?

Yes. Repeated measurements are commonly used to document changes in motor performance over time.

Can I use AgainAbility to estimate future FMA-UE scores?

AgainAbility provides separate prediction pages for survivors and clinicians. The estimates are informational and should not replace professional clinical judgment.

References

1. Fugl-Meyer AR, Jääskö L, Leyman I, Olsson S, Steglind S. The post-stroke hemiplegic patient. A method for evaluation of physical performance. Scandinavian Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine. 1975;7(1):13–31.
2. Gladstone DJ, Danells CJ, Black SE. The Fugl-Meyer Assessment of motor recovery after stroke: a critical review of its measurement properties. Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair. 2002;16(3):232–240.

This page is educational and does not provide medical diagnosis or individualized treatment recommendations. FMA-UE administration and interpretation should be performed by appropriately trained professionals when used for clinical decisions.