HAND FUNCTION KIT

ADMINISTRATION AND SCORING

The hand function kit allows you to perform five different activities that evaluate fine dexterity and control in various tasks using known and common objects. You do not have to perform all tasks, you can choose the most appropriate for your client. Tasks are kept short for usability, but will not necessarily evaluate the effect of endurance on function.

ADMINISTRATION

Block Assembly

This task assesses fine and mass grasps in a basic assembly task requiring four steps. The items used are heavier and inherently require more intrinsic hand strength than the other activities in this kit.

Instructions

Structure the task as in the picture. Make sure that the block and both plates are oriented in the same direction. Instruct your client to assemble the blocks using the following steps:

  1. Pick up the wood block.

  2. Pick up the large plate and place it on top of the wood block so that the holes align.

  3. Place three bolts through the holes.

  4. Turn over the block and place the small plate over the bolts.

  5. Now fasten the plate using the nuts, turn the nut all the way to the plate. It is not necessary to tighten the nut.

  6. Put down the assembled block and use the same steps to assemble the other block.

  7. When you are done, put the block down.

Start timing when the client starts to move and stop timing when the second block is put down.

Pen Assembly

This task assesses fine and precision grasps and manipulation in an assembly task using known objects in a four-step task.

Instructions

Structure the task as in the picture. Instruct your client to assemble the pens using the following steps:

  1. Pick up the pen casing and the back cap, screw on the back cap.

  2. Pick up the ink and slide it into the casing.

  3. Pick up the front tip and screw it onto the front of the pen.

  4. Pick up the lid and place it onto the pen.

  5. Put the pen down behind the tray (on the side furthest from you) and continue to assemble the other four pens.

Start timing when the client starts to move and stop timing when the last pen is put down.

Nuts-Bolts-Washers

This task assesses fine and precision grasps and simultaneous hand use in a basic repetitive task.

Instructions

Structure the task as in the picture. The washers should be on the client’s non-dominant side and the nuts on their dominant side. Instruct your client to assemble the block using the following steps:

  1. Pick up one washer and one nut at the same time.

  2. Put the washer over the bolt and then place the nut on the bolt, turn the nut so that it is flush with the top of the bolt.

  3. Continue with these steps until all ten bolts have washers and nuts.

Start timing when the client starts to move and stop timing when the last nut is flush with the bolt.

Pins

This task assesses fine and precision grasps and in-hand manipulation in a single step repetitive task. This activity can be done bilaterally (recommended) and unilaterally. Note that scoring does not change between the dominant and non-dominant hand, as we expect unilateral tasks to be done in the dominant or healthiest hand in the workplace.

Instructions

Structure the task as in the picture. There are ten pins on each side.

For bilateral pins instruct your client to pick up a pin in each hand and place it in the holes, working from top to bottom, using both hands at the same time.

For unilateral pins use only ten pins and the holes on the side of the row being tested.

Start timing when the client starts to move and stop timing when the last pin is placed in the hole.

Small object sorting

This task assesses very fine and precision grasps in a concrete sorting activity.

Instructions

Structure the task as in the picture. Make sure that the objects are well mixed. Instruct your client to complete the activity as follows:

  1. Pick up two objects using both hands at the same time.

  2. Sort the objects so that each container has only nuts, washers and pins.

  3. Continue sorting until all of the objects are sorted into their relevant containers.

Start timing when the client starts to move, and stop timing when the last object is placed into the container.

SCORING

Block Assembly

Result: N/A%

Pen Assembly

Result: N/A%

Nuts–Bolts–Washers

Result: N/A%

Bilateral Pins

Result: N/A%

Unilateral Pins

Result: N/A%

Small Object Sorting

Result: N/A%