Psychometrics of Dominant Right Hand During the 9‐Hole Peg Test: Differences Between Peg Placement and Removal

Objective To assess psychometrics of hand dominance during the 9‐Hole Peg Test. Subjects Sixteen healthy volunteers (23‐40 years of age, 10 female and 6 male subjects, all fortuitously right handed). Methods As is conventional protocol, the total time to perform the task was recorded as a dexterity index. In addition, the relative distance between points (distal phalanges) on the index finger and thumb was continuously monitored by the use of a magnetic sensing system. Time required, mean values for peak distance, and cumulative total motion distance were analyzed separately for the peg‐placement and peg‐removal phases. Data for dominant and nondominant hands were compared by the use of paired t ‐tests ( P < .05). Results Total time to perform the 9‐Hole Peg Test was shorter for the dominant hands (mean, 18.65 seconds) than the nondominant hands (mean, 20.11 seconds). During the peg‐placement phase, lower values for peak distance, cumulative total motion distance, and time required were recorded for dominant hands, suggesting more efficient movement. By contrast, during peg‐removal phase, no statistically significant differences between dominant‐ and nondominant‐hand values were apparent. Conclusions Although healthy subjects perform the 9‐Hole Peg Test more efficiently using their dominant hands, the difference in measured dexterity was observed only during the peg‐placement phase. This discrepancy between the peg‐placement and peg‐removal efficiency suggests the need for phase discrimination in future studies.