The gap between clinical gaze and systematic assessment of movement disorder after stroke

This is so true. If you can't objectively measure something you can't tell when it gets better so you can keep doing that. Ask your therapists if they are objectively or subjectively  measuring your performance. The Berg-Balance Scale is a prime example of subjectivity.
http://www.jneuroengrehab.com/content/9/1/61/abstract

Abstract (provisional)

Background

Movement disorders after stroke are still captured by clinical gaze and translated to ordinal scores of low resolution. There is a clear need for objective quantification, with outcome measures related to pathophysiological background. Neural and non-neural contributors to joint behavior should be separated using different measurement conditions (tasks) and standardized input signals (force, position and velocity).

Methods

We reviewed recent literature for the application of biomechanical and/or elektromyographical (EMG) outcome measures under various measurement conditions in clinical research.

Results

Since 2005, 36 articles described the use of biomechanical and/or EMG outcome measures to quantify post-stroke movement disorder. Nineteen of the articles strived to separate neural and non-neural components. Only 6 of the articles measured biomechanical and EMG outcome measures simultaneously, while applying active and passive tasks and multiple velocities.

Conclusion

The distinction between neural and non-neural components to separately assess paresis, stiffness and muscle overactivity is not commonplace yet, while a large gap is to be bridged to attain reproducible and comparable results. Pathophysiologically clear concepts, substantiated with a comprehensive and concise measuring protocol will help professionals to identify and treat limiting factors in movement capabilities of post-stroke patients.

The complete article is available as a provisional PDF. The fully formatted PDF and HTML versions are in production.