A Digital Box and Block Test for Hand Dexterity Measurement: Instrument Validation Study

Publikation: Beitrag in FachzeitschriftForschungsartikelBeigetragenBegutachtung

Beitragende

  • Eveline Prochaska - , Fachhochschule Campus Wien, Private Universität für Gesundheitswissenschaften und -technologie (Autor:in)
  • Elske Ammenwerth - , Private Universität für Gesundheitswissenschaften und -technologie (Autor:in)

Abstract

Background: The Box and Block Test (BBT) measures unilateral gross manual dexterity and is widely used in clinical settings with a wide range of populations, including older people and clients with neurological disorders. Objective: In this study, we present a newly developed digitized version of the BBT, called the digital BBT (dBBT). The physical design is similar to the original BBT, but the dBBT contains digital electronics that automate the test procedure, timing, and score measurement. The aim of this study is to investigate the validity and reliability of the dBBT. Methods: We performed measurements at 2 time points for 29 healthy participants. BBT and dBBT were used at the first measurement time point, and dBBT was used again at the second measurement time point. Concurrent validity was assessed using the correlation between BBT and dBBT, the paired t test, and the Bland-Altman analysis. Test-retest reliability and interrater reliability were examined using the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) by repeated measures with the dBBT within an interval of 10 days. Results: Our results showed moderate concurrent validity (r=0.48, P=.008), moderate test-retest reliability (ICC 0.72, P<.001), a standard error of measurement of 3.1 blocks, and the smallest detectable change at a 95% CI of 8.5 blocks. Interrater reliability was moderate with an ICC of 0.67 (P=.02). The Bland-Altman analysis showed sufficient accuracy of the dBBT in comparison with the conventional BBT. Conclusions: The dBBT can contribute to objectifying the measurement of gross hand dexterity without losing its important characteristics and is simple to implement.

Details

OriginalspracheEnglisch
Aufsatznummere50474
Fachzeitschrift JMIR Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies
Jahrgang10
Ausgabenummer1
PublikationsstatusVeröffentlicht - 15 Sept. 2023
Peer-Review-StatusJa
Extern publiziertJa

Externe IDs

Scopus 85174845415

Schlagworte

Schlagwörter

  • BBT, Box and Block Test, assessment, concurrent validity, dBBT, dexterity, digital Box and Block Test, hand dexterity assessment, interrater reliability, test-retest reliability, validate, validity