Assessment of Hand Function: The Relationship between Pegboard Dexterity and Applied Dexterity

Abstract

The relationship between pegboard dexterity and applied dexterity was investigated by examining performance on the Nine-Hole Pegboard Test and on functional tasks from the Applied Dexterity section of the Arthritis Hand Function Test. Subjects were 395 adult volunteers aged 20–79 years, stratified by age and gender. Significant correlation coefficients were obtained for pegboard dexterity and applied dexterity at p < .01 for the sample as a whole. However, when the sample was examined by age groups, no significant relationships were found for the 20–29 years group. Pegboard tests are quick and inexpensive assessment tools, but if they have no relationship to the functional use of the hands they may be of questionable value. The results of this study suggest that the Nine-Hole Pegboard Test may be a useful screening device for detecting hand dysfunction related to dexterity.