The Functional Dexterity Test: test-retest reliability analysis and up-to date reference norms

Area of Science:

• Clinical measurement and psychometrics.
• Rehabilitation sciences.

Background:

• The Functional Dexterity Test (FDT) is a validated instrument for assessing fine finger dexterity across various conditions.
• Establishing reliable outcome measures is crucial for clinical practice and research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the test-retest reliability of the FDT.
• To investigate the impact of age, gender, and hand dominance on FDT scores.
• To establish reference norms for adult and elderly populations.

Main Methods:

• Test-retest reliability assessed using Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and Standard Error of Measurement (SEM) in 324 healthy volunteers.
• A larger sample of 698 subjects provided data stratified by age, sex, and hand dominance.
• Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) used to determine significant group differences.

Main Results:

• The FDT demonstrated excellent reliability (ICC > 0.90).
• Age, gender, and hand dominance were found to significantly influence FDT scores (p < 0.05).
• No significant interactions were observed between these demographic variables.

Conclusions:

• The FDT is confirmed as a highly reliable tool for assessing fine finger dexterity.
• Updated reference norms for the Italian adult population, stratified by age, gender, and hand dominance, have been established.
• These findings support the FDT's utility in diverse clinical and research settings.