Concurrent validity of the NK hand dexterity test

Abstract

Background and Purpose The present study evaluated the concurrent validity of the NK hand dexterity test (NKHDT) by use of three separate analyses: (1) the correlation between the NKHDT and a criterion comparator (Jebson's Hand Function Test (JHFT)); (2) the correlation between both dexterity tests and a patient‐rated function questionnaire; and (3) the ability of subscales to differentiate between subjects with and without upper extremity pathology. Method The study population included 40 individuals with a variety of musculoskeletal problems affecting the upper extremity and 10 individuals without any history of upper extremity problems. Both dexterity tests were administered on a single occasion according to a standard protocol. Subjects also completed a rating scale which evaluated self‐care, household work, work and recreation on an 0–10‐point scale. Results The validity of the NKHDT was supported in all three analyses because: (1) the correlation between the NKHDT and JHFT subtests was moderate to strong (Pearson's r=0.47–0.87) and stronger when the objects were more similar in size; (2) both scales correlated to a similar extent with patient‐rated function (Pearson's r=–0.34–0.67); and (3) all subscales were statistically different between subjects with and without upper extremity pathology (p<0.01). Conclusions The present study supports the use of the NKHDT as a measure of hand dexterity. Copyright © 2001 Whurr Publishers Ltd.