Jebsen Taylor Hand Function test: Gender, dominance, and age differences in healthy Egyptian population

Abstract

Background The Jebsen–Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT) was established to provide a standardized and objective evaluation of fine and gross motor hand function using simulated activities of daily living. Aim The aims of this study were to establish normative data for hand function using JTHFT and to investigate the effect of age, sex and dominance differences on hand function in healthy Egyptian individuals. Participants and methods One shot cross-sectional descriptive design was used. One hundred and fifty normal Egyptians were equally stratified into three age groups: 20–29, 30–39, and 40–50. JTHFT subtests were introduced to all participants, which included writing, turning over 3 by 5-inch cards, picking up small common objects, simulated feeding, stacking checkers, picking up large objects, and picking up a large heavy object. Speed on completing each JTHFT subtest was calculated in seconds, and the total score was computed. Results Statistically significant differences were found between sex, age and dominance (P Conclusion This study presents normative data of JTHFT among middle-aged Egyptians. Our results provide evidence that handedness and age may affect hand function, especially high-level fine dexterity activities. Moreover, no significant relationship was found between sex and hand function in individuals who were 20–50 years of age in the Egyptian population.