Arm function tests

Question 1

Box and blocks test

Answer 1

Timed Ax of gross uni-manual dexterity
Only evaluates a single element of dexterity
Patient is instructed to move as many of the 150 blocks as possible from one compartment to another in 60seconds

Therapist must be seated opposite individual to monitor test performance
Hand must cross over partition in order for point to count -> i.e. you can’t just throw them over the top
Blocks that bounce out and onto the floor are still counted as a point
Higher score = better manual dexterity
Multiple blocks carried over at the same time count as a single point
15 second trial
Ask what dominant side is and test that first

Any neurological pt. w/ dexterity impairment

Question 2

Purdue Peg Board

Answer 2

Ax of arm/hand dexterity
1. 30s to place as many pins as possible preferred hand
2. 30s to place as many pins as possible non-preferred hand
3. 30s to place as many pins as possible alternating hands
4. 60s alternating hands to assemble pins, collar and washers
Score is given in terms of time and compared to norms

Question 3

MTAHS?

Answer 3

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Question 4

MAS ITEM 6: Upper arm function

Answer 4

6 Upper Arm Function
1. Lying, protract shoulder girdle with arm in elevation. (Therapist places arm in position and supports it with elbow in extension).
2. Lying, hold extended arm in elevation for 2 seconds. (Physiotherapist should place arm in position and patient must maintain position with some external rotation. Elbow must be held within 20 degrees of full extension).
3. Flexion and extension of elbow to take palm to forehead with arm as in 2. (Therapist may assist supination of forearm).
4. Sitting, hold extended arm in forward flexion at
90 degrees to body for 2 seconds. (Therapist should place arm in position and patient must maintain position with some external rotation and elbow extension. Do not allow excess shoulder elevation).
5. Sitting, patient lifts arm to above position and holds it there for 10 seconds, then lowers it.
(Patient must maintain position with some external rotation. Do not allow pronation).
6. Standing, hand against wall. Maintain arm position while turning body towards wall. (Have arm abducted to 90 degrees with palm flat against

Question 5

MAS Item 8: advanced hand activities

Answer 5

1. Picking up the top of a pen and putting it down again. (Patient stretches arm forward, picks up pen top, releases it on table close to body).
2. Picking up one jelly bean from a cup and placing it in another cup. (Teacup contains 8 jelly beans.
Both cups must be at arms length. Left hand takes illy bean from cup on right and releases it in cup on left.
3. Drawing horizontal lines to stop at a vertical line ten times in 20 seconds. (At least five lines must touch and stop at the vertical line).
4. Holding a pencil, making rapid consecutive dots on a sheet of paper. (Patient must do at least 2 dots per second for 5 seconds. Patient picks pencil up and positions it without assistance. Patient must hold pen as for writing. Patient must make a dot not a stroke).
5. Taking a desert spoon of liquid to the mouth. (Do not allow head to lower towards spoon. Do not allow liquid to spill).
6. Holding a comb and combing hair at back of