Article

OBJECTIVE: To assess psychometrics of hand dominance during the 9-Hole Peg Test.
SUBJECTS: Sixteen healthy volunteers (23-40 years of age, 10 female and 6 male
subjects, all fortuitously right handed). METHODS: As is conventional protocol,
the total time to perform the task was recorded as a dexterity index. In
addition, the relative distance between points (distal phalanges) on the index
finger and thumb was continuously monitored by the use of a magnetic sensing
system. Time required, mean values for peak distance, and cumulative total motion
distance were analyzed separately for the peg-placement and peg-removal phases.
Data for dominant and nondominant hands were compared by the use of paired
t-tests (P < .05). RESULTS: Total time to perform the 9-Hole Peg Test was shorter
for the dominant hands (mean, 18.65 seconds) than the nondominant hands (mean,
20.11 seconds). During the peg-placement phase, lower values for peak distance,
cumulative total motion distance, and time required were recorded for dominant
hands, suggesting more efficient movement. By contrast, during peg-removal phase,
no statistically significant differences between dominant- and nondominant-hand
values were apparent. CONCLUSIONS: Although healthy subjects perform the 9-Hole
Peg Test more efficiently using their dominant hands, the difference in measured
dexterity was observed only during the peg-placement phase. This discrepancy
between the peg-placement and peg-removal efficiency suggests the need for phase
discrimination in future studies.
CI - Copyright A(c) 2011 American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS