Article

The aims of this study were twofold: first, to develop and validate a timed
test of unimanual and bimanual dexterity suitable for those with disability
affecting hand function; second, to explore relationships between unimanual and
bimanual completion times. METHOD: We developed the Tyneside Pegboard Test (TPT),
an electronically timed test with three peg sizes, incorporating an asymmetrical
bimanual task. Nine hundred and seventy-four participants (455 males, 519
females; age range 4-80y) provided normative data.
Test-retest reliability and
construct validity were assessed (50 adults: 14 males, 36 females; 15-73y) on two
occasions 2 weeks apart. Bimanual and unimanual completion times were measured in
87 children (51 males, 36 females) with unilateral cerebral palsy (CP) and 498
individuals in a comparison group (238 males, 260 females; 5-15y). RESULTS: The
comparison group showed an asymmetrical U-shaped relationship between completion
times and age. Intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.74 to 0.91,
indicating moderate test-retest reliability. There was a negative relationship
between average TPT bimanual times and Purdue pegboard bimanual scores
(Spearman's rho -0.611, degrees of freedom 44, p<0.001). Children with unilateral
CP had greater prolongation of bimanual than unimanual completion times compared
with the comparison group (mean difference 20.31s, 95% confidence interval
18.13-22.49, p<0.001). INTERPRETATION: The TPT is accessible for those with
impaired hand function. Children with unilateral CP demonstrated disproportionate
bimanual deficits, even allowing for unimanual dexterity: this has implications
for therapy. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: We developed an adapted, electronically timed
9-hole pegboard test. Our modifications facilitate use by those with disability
affecting hand function. The test incorporates an asymmetrical bimanual task.
Children with unilateral cerebral palsy showed disproportionate bimanual
dexterity deficits even allowing for unimanual dexterity.
CI - (c) 2017 The Authors. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology published by John
Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Mac Keith Press.

Langue : ANGLAIS