AIMS: To explore the validity of change scores of the Children's Hand-use Experience Questionnaire (CHEQ).

METHODS: Analysis of the CHEQ included 44 children (15 girls) between 6-16 years (median 9.0; IQR 8-11) with unilateral cerebral palsy, with baseline and post- (two-week intensive) intervention assessments using the Goal Attainment Scale (GAS) as external anchor for change. Hypotheses on the magnitude of expected change were formulated and correlation coefficients and effect sizes calculated. Receiver operating curve analysis was performed and the area under the curve (AUC) calculated to investigate the ability of CHEQ to discriminate between improvement and non-improvement according to GAS.

RESULTS: All hypotheses about the magnitude of change were confirmed supporting longitudinal validity of CHEQ scales to measure change in the perception of bimanual performance. AUCs for the Grasp efficacy and the Time utilization were slightly below, and for the Feeling bothered slightly above the threshold. The latter one accurately discriminating between children that improved and did not improve according to the GAS.

CONCLUSIONS: Evidence was found that CHEQ scales capture change in bimanual performance but with limited accuracy for two out of three scales. The validity of CHEQ change scores needs to be further explored in a wider population.