Normative, validation, and reliability studies of the Nine-Hole Peg Test scores with children

The purpose of this study was to establish norms for fine motor dexterity skills on elementary school children five to ten years old and conduct reliability and validity studies utilizing the Nine-Hole Peg Test. Sample included 1,020 students in ten elementary schools in the Las Vegas area. As children got older, their fine motor speed increased. Significant gender differences were indicated in dexterity in all ages, but only in the dominant hand. Moderately high test-retest reliability and high interrater reliability were obtained. Strong correlation between the NHPT and Purdue Pegboard Test scores provided concurrent validity of the NHPT. Significant difference in dexterity scores between regular and special education groups provided construct validity evidence. Students provided with demonstration and verbal directions showed faster dexterity speed than those with only verbal directions. This study has supported the Nine-Hole Peg Test as an effective screening tool for fine motor dexterity in school-age children