Reference values of manual dexterity using Minnesota Rate of Manipulation Test for Indian adults

Abstract

Introduction Dexterity assessment is an integral component of hand function evaluation. The Minnesota Rate of Manipulation Test is a valid and reliable tool to evaluate manual dexterity and has been used to study prognosis of therapy. Information available on its reference values is limited. Reference values are required to interpret, set realistic treatment goals, and assess the ability to return to employment. Therefore, manual dexterity was studied in healthy Indian adults to generate reference values. Methods A descriptive study was conducted on 900 subjects divided into three groups: Group 1: 18–30 years ( n = 300): Group 2: 31–60 years (n = 300), and Group 3: ≥61 years ( n = 300). The Minnesota Rate of Manipulation Test was used to evaluate manual dexterity. All subjects performed three trials (one practice + two test trials) of the five subtests. The average of two test trials was used to compute the Minnesota Rate of Manipulation Test score. Results The total score of the Minnesota Rate of Manipulation Test in Groups 1, 2, and 3 was 275.7 ± 24.1 s, 299.3 ± 31.9 s, and 357.4 ± 48.6 s, respectively. Manual dexterity was moderately associated with age ( r = 0.707, p < 0.001); however, differences between males and females were nonsignificant ( p = 0.306). Conclusion Manual dexterity declined with advancing age; however, differences between genders were not significant. These reference values of manual hand dexterity for healthy adult Indian people will be relevant for clinical assessment of hand function.