Minnesota Manual Dexterity test
Objective
The Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test (MMDT) is designed to assess gross motor skills and bilateral manual dexterity, specifically evaluating the speed and coordination of arm and hand movements. It is used to quantify performance in tasks requiring bimanual coordination and rapid object manipulation.
Variation of Test
The 'Complete Minnesota Dexterity Test' was the oldest form of dexterity evaluation. This involved a series of displacement and turning of plastic or wooden cylinders to be placed in a series of matched holes. Two contemporary versions of this test including the 'Minnesota Rate of Manipulation Test' and the Minnesota Manual Dexterity test. The 'Minnesota turning test' is also a revised version. [1][2]
Intended population
This test intends to assess bimanual dexterity and could be used on any subset of people including elderly healthy subjects[3]. MMDT is suitable for a wide range of individuals, including:
- Adults and older adults (healthy or with mild cognitive/motor impairment)
- Individuals with neurological conditions (e.g. stroke, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis)
- People with upper limb musculoskeletal injuries
- Job applicants in manual or repetitive task-based occupations
Method of use
The MMDT board consists of 60 holes and a set of red and black cylindrical blocks (approx. 3.7 cm in diameter). The assessment involves two main tasks:
- Placing Test The participant uses their dominant hand to pick up and place blocks into each hole as quickly as possible.
- Turning Test The participant begins by picking up a block with the left hand, turning it over, and placing it in a hole with the right hand (row 1). The process is reversed on row 2, continuing to alternate.[3]
Timing is recorded for each subtest. Standardised instructions and demonstrations are typically provided prior to administration.
About the Test
- Time to administer: Approximately 15–20 minutes, including instructions
- Materials required: MMDT board and blocks
- Training required: Minimal – instructions and timing procedure should be standardised
- Normative data: Available for different age groups and occupational populations, though may vary by version used
Evidence
Validity
Responsiveness
Links
References
- ↑ Tesio L, Simone A, Zebellin G, Rota V, Malfitano C, Perucca L. Bimanual dexterity assessment: validation of a revised form of the turning subtest from the Minnesota Dexterity Test. Int J Rehabil Res. 2016 Mar;39(1):57.
- ↑ Surrey LR, Nelson K, Delelio C, Mathie-Majors D, Omel-Edwards N, Shumaker J, Thurber G. A comparison of performance outcomes between the Minnesota Rate of Manipulation Test and the Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test. Work. 2003 Jan 1;20(2):97-102.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Desrosiers J, Rochette A, Hebert R, Bravo G. The Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test: reliability, validity and reference values studies with healthy elderly people. Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy. 1997 Dec;64(5):270-6.