Affiliations: [a] Department of Pediatrics, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA | [b] Department of Statistics, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
Correspondence:
[*]
Corresponding author: Paola Pergami, MD, PhD, Department of Pediatrics, Child Neurology, West Virginia University, 1 Medical Center Drive, Morgantown, WV 26506-9214, USA. Tel.: +1 304 293 7331; Fax: +1 304 293 4341; E-mail: ppergami@hsc.wvu.edu
Abstract: We recently developed a computer-based test that uses a pointing task with multiple levels of difficulty to evaluate upper extremity motor function. The purpose of this study is to report performance data in adults and children, to determine test reliability, and to validate this test against well established scales of motor function (Purdue Pegboard and 9-hole Pegboard tests). We examined 40 healthy right-handed subjects (18 children and 22 adults) to determine the correlation among computer-based test and validated measures. The test is quick to administer, engaging for adults and children, with a steep learning curve to stable performance, and can be finely tuned to baseline ability. Test-retest reliability was confirmed for all levels of difficulty. The computer-based test demonstrated moderate correlation in healthy adults and children with the Purdue Pegboard test (Spearman, r = 0.52, p = 0.0005; Pearson, r = 0.55, p = 0.0002). Implications: The test is a valid measure of motor skills and could be use for periodic evaluation and monitoring in the clinic setting. Further development of a user-friendly version for self-administration would allow for home based monitoring of treatment/interventions.
Keywords: Assessment of motor and process skills, computers, upper extremity
