Validity and reliability of the Functional Dexterity Test in children
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Published on: June 20, 2020
Camden M Tissue1, Paul F Velleman2, Caroline W Stegink-Jansen3
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
Insights
The Functional Dexterity Test (FDT) is reliable and valid for assessing fine motor skills in children. This clinical measurement study confirms its utility for tracking progress in pediatric hand function.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric occupational therapy
- Clinical measurement science
- Hand function assessment
Background:
- The Functional Dexterity Test (FDT) lacks validation in pediatric populations.
- Accurate assessment tools are crucial for monitoring hand function in children.
- Early intervention for congenital hand differences necessitates reliable outcome measures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish the reliability and validity of the Functional Dexterity Test (FDT) in children.
- To assess the FDT's suitability for pediatric use.
- To provide a validated tool for measuring fine motor dexterity in young individuals.
Main Methods:
- Clinical measurement study design.
- Interrater and test-retest reliability assessed using Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICCs) in typically developing children.
- Concurrent validity established by correlating FDT scores with the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (JHFT) and activities of daily living (ADL) tasks in children with congenital hand differences.
Main Results:
- The FDT demonstrated excellent interrater (ICC=0.99) and test-retest (ICC=0.90) reliability.
- FDT scores showed significant correlations with JHFT fine dexterity subsets (r > 0.67) and ADL tasks (good to excellent).
- Discriminant validity was supported by significantly higher FDT speeds in typically developing children compared to those with congenital hand differences (P < .001).
Conclusions:
- The Functional Dexterity Test (FDT) is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring fine motor dexterity in children.
- The FDT can effectively track functional progress, monitor treatment efficacy, and provide feedback to families.
- This validated tool supports early intervention and management of pediatric hand conditions.
Study Design:
Clinical measurement study.
Introduction:
The Functional Dexterity Test (FDT) has not been validated in children.
Purpose Of The Study:
To determine reliability and validity of the FDT in a pediatric population.
Methods:
Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICCs) were used to calculate interrater and test-retest reliability in typically developing children. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to compare FDT speed with the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (JHFT) and with 2 activities of daily living tasks to establish validity in children with congenital hand differences.
Results:
The FDT demonstrated excellent interrater (ICC, 0.99) and test-retest (ICC, 0.90) reliability. Pearson correlation coefficients exceeded 0.67 for JHFT subsets of fine dexterity and were all less than 0.66 for JHFT subsets of gross grasp. Correlations with the activities of daily living tasks were good to excellent. FDT speeds in TD children exceeded those of children with congenital hand differences (P < .001), demonstrating discriminant validity.
Discussion:
Children with congenital hand differences are often treated early in life, making it important to reliably assess hand function of these young children to distinguish developmental change from changes due to interventions. The FDT can reliably measure functional progress over time, help clinicians monitor the efficacy of treatment, and provide families realistic feedback on their child's progress.
Conclusion:
The FDT is a valid and reliable instrument for the measurement of fine motor dexterity in children.
