The Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT), developed in 1969, is a standardized assessment used to objectively measure effective hand function. It quantifies the motor skills required for typical daily living activities. The assessment focuses on the speed and effectiveness with which an individual performs a series of common, simulated tasks, providing clinicians with a reliable, quantitative tool for evaluating unilateral hand performance.
Purpose and Clinical Application
The JTHFT provides an objective metric of functional hand ability, primarily used in rehabilitation settings like occupational and physical therapy clinics. It establishes a measurable baseline of fine and gross motor skills before treatment begins. Clinicians use this initial measurement to identify specific functional deficits in the hand and upper extremity.
The test is employed to track a patient’s progress over time and determine if an intervention is working. For instance, patients recovering from stroke or hand trauma can be re-assessed periodically to demonstrate measurable improvements in speed and dexterity. The test’s consistency and standardization make it useful for monitoring recovery and adjusting therapeutic strategies.
The JTHFT is applicable to a broad range of conditions affecting the nervous and musculoskeletal systems, causing hand dysfunction. These include neurological disorders like stroke, cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis, which impact motor control. Musculoskeletal issues such as carpal tunnel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and spinal cord injuries are also evaluated. By simulating real-world tasks, the JTHFT helps therapists set relevant goals focused on regaining independence in daily life.
The Seven Specific Subtests
The JTHFT is composed of seven distinct, timed subtests, each designed to simulate a functional movement required for daily activities. The first task is Writing a short sentence, which requires the patient to copy a 24-letter sentence. This assesses fine motor control and the precision grip needed for sustained writing.
The second task, Card turning, requires flipping over 3×5-inch index cards, evaluating dexterity and coordination similar to handling small, flat objects. The third task, Picking up small common objects, involves manipulating items like pennies and paper clips into a container. This measures the delicate pinch grip and fine manipulation skills crucial for tasks such as buttoning a shirt.
The fourth task is Simulated feeding, which involves using a teaspoon to scoop up beans and transfer them into a cup, mimicking the coordination needed for self-feeding. The fifth subtest, Stacking checkers, measures hand-eye coordination and functional dexterity for sequential movements.
The test then transitions to gross motor function with the last two subtests. Moving large light objects requires picking up and transferring empty one-pound cans, evaluating the ability to handle larger objects using a cylindrical grasp. Moving large heavy objects involves transferring weighted cans, assessing the strength and gross motor control needed for lifting and carrying heavier household items.
The patient performs all seven tasks using one hand at a time, first with the non-dominant hand and then the dominant hand. The maximum time allotted for any single subtest is 120 seconds, ensuring a controlled assessment environment.
Scoring and Interpretation
Scoring for the JTHFT is based on time, recorded by a clinician using a stopwatch for each of the seven tasks. The score for one hand is the sum of the times from all seven subtests. A shorter total time indicates a higher level of functional performance and better efficiency.
To interpret the results, a patient’s recorded times are compared against established normative data. These benchmarks are derived from studies of healthy individuals across different age groups, genders, and hand dominance. Comparing the patient’s performance to the mean time for their demographic allows clinicians to determine the severity of any functional deficit.
A significant deviation from the normative data suggests an impairment in the speed of hand function. For example, if a patient takes twice as long as the norm to complete a task, it indicates a specific functional limitation in that domain. This comparison helps the clinical team pinpoint areas of need, informing the creation of a targeted treatment plan and realistic functional goals.