Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026
09:26
The Knob Supination Task: A Semi-automated Method for Assessing Forelimb Function in Rats
Published on: September 28, 2017
Automated Assessment of Manual Dexterity Using a Sensorized Nine-Hole Peg Test Board: Reproducibility and Innovative
Monica Biggio1, Erica Grange2,3, Federica Di Antonio2,4
1Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 12, 2026
Summary
A new sensorized Nine-Hole Peg Test (9-HPT) accurately measures task performance time. This innovative device offers enhanced reliability and novel temporal metrics for objective hand function assessment.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Rehabilitation Science
- Clinical Measurement
Background:
- The Nine-Hole Peg Test (9-HPT) is a standard clinical tool for assessing hand function.
- Current 9-HPT administration relies on manual timing by assessors, introducing potential variability.
- Objective and detailed performance metrics are needed for precise characterization of task execution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a sensorized version of the Nine-Hole Peg Test (9-HPT).
- To automatically measure total execution time and extract novel temporal parameters.
- To evaluate the reliability and validity of the sensorized 9-HPT compared to traditional methods.
Main Methods:
- Development of a novel sensorized 9-HPT system.
- Concurrent validity assessment against stopwatch measurements in healthy participants.
- Bland-Altman analysis to evaluate agreement between methods.
- Test-retest reliability analysis for total completion time and new temporal parameters.
Main Results:
- High concurrent validity between sensorized 9-HPT and stopwatch measurements (ρ > 0.98, p < 0.001).
- Negligible bias and narrow limits of agreement observed.
- Good test-retest reliability for total completion time (ICC = 0.74-0.81).
- Reliable novel temporal parameters (ICC = 0.73-0.78), especially for the dominant hand.
Conclusions:
- The sensorized 9-HPT is a reliable tool for standard outcome measures in hand function assessment.
- The novel temporal parameters provide objective, detailed insights into task execution phases.
- This technology enhances the precision and objectivity of the 9-HPT for clinical and research applications.
