In-hand manipulation in four-and five-year-old children: translation, rotation and shift movements

Abstract

Background and aim Children are often referred to occupational therapy for deficits in in-hand function and related components such as in-hand manipulation problems. This research results formed part of a larger project with the aim to develop a standardised in-hand manipulation measurement instrument for occupational therapist in South Africa, since no standardised measurement instrument with age-related norms is available that evaluates all in-hand manipulation components. The aim of the study was to describe the in-hand manipulation skills of four- and five-year-old children in Bloemfontein.

Methods A quantitative, descriptive study that included 98 four- and 97 five-year-old English-speaking children in Bloemfontein was conducted. An observation checklist was compiled from non-standardised activities and standardised tests published in the literature in order to cover all aspects of in-hand manipulation. Video footage of each child performing the activities was used to score the checklists.

Results A total of 195 children participated in the study, with 98 (50.3%) in the four-year-old and 97 (49.7%) in the five-year-old groups. The following percentages of four-year-old children had successful task completion (without compensation): finger-to-palm translation 11.2%, simple rotation 29.6%, complex rotation 44.9%, complex rotation with stabilisation 13.3% and shift movements 68.4%. The following percentages of five-year-olds had successful completion (without compensation): tasks of finger-to-palm translation 22.7%, simple rotation 45.4%, complex rotation 46.4%, complex rotation with stabilisation 10.3% and shift movements 67.0%.

Conclusions The findings indicated that both age groups did not have fully developed in-hand manipulation and used compensatory methods.