CWP Li-Tsang, HCY Lee, LK Hung

Abstract

Purpose: To study the test-retest reliability, concurrent and discriminant validity of a Chopsticks Manipulation Test for assessing children with fine motor delay. Method: Chopsticks Manipulation Test and Peabody Developmental Motor Scale-Fine Motor scale were administered on 190 children (120 without developmental disabilities and 70 with developmental disabilities). Another 40 children were selected to test for test-retest reliability. Results: (1) Test-retest reliability of the two tests mentioned above was found to be satisfactory (ICC ranged from 0.89 to 0.99). (2) There was a moderate correlation between the two tests (r=0.39, p < 0.01). (3) There was significant difference between children with and without developmental disabilities in the Chopsticks Manipulation Test (t-value=-4.71, df=180, p< 0.05). (4) Age and gender are factors affecting the Chopsticks Manipulation Test performance. Conclusion: The Chopsticks Manipulation Test was found to have good test-retest reliability. It is easy to administer in different clinical settings and the children are familiar with the equipment used in the test. It can also discriminate children with and without fine motor delay. Age and gender seemed to affect the performance of chopsticks manipulation of children.