Ranka, J. (2005, November). The Comparative Analysis of Performance (CAP-M): An occupation-focused method of identifying motor impairment. Workshop presented at the Occupational Therapy Australia – Queensland State Conference “OT in Arms”, Brisbane, Qld.

A major expectation of occupational therapists in upper limb rehabilitation is to identify the occupational performance limitations of clients, to identify the causes of these limitations and to design intervention to restore lost abilities. Although numerous assessments of motor ability exist, few examine motor skills within the context of everyday tasks. The Comparative Analysis of Performance – Motor (CAP-M) is one of the structured, skilled observation tools that has evolved out of the Occupational Performance Model – Australia [OPM(A)], and is used to occupation-embedded motor ability. A client is observed attempting to carry out a specific, self-selected task and a biomechanical analysis is carried out. The actions that are typically used are listed and compared with those observed when the client performs the task. These actions can be of the trunk, shoulder girdle, arm, hand and/or thumb. Atypical and missing elements of movement are then identified. This provides specific information about what the aims of intervention are and how these aims relate to a desired occupational performance outcome. Participants in this session will learn about the CAP-M and how it is used to assess occupation-embedded motor performance and set intervention targets. Examples of clients with upper limb dysfunction from neurological origin will be used to illustrate key points.