Repeatability of three fine motor tests

This study evaluated the repeatability of three fine motor tasks in normal children aged nine years. Using set procedures and well defined scoring categories, finger drumming, sequential finger/thumb opposition and finger tapping were shown to be repeatable quantitatively and qualitatively. Drumming and finger tapping (but not opposition) showed differences between hands, and movement in the easy direction was better than that in the difficult direction for drumming and opposition. Children demonstrate a preferred or easy direction of movement for drumming and for opposition, which must be considered when assessing hand function. This study has provided repeatability information for three tests, as well as baseline data against which children with motor impairment can be evaluated.