Relationship between manual dexterity and the unified parkinson's disease rating scale-motor exam.
Sujin Hwang, Chiang-Soon Song
PMID 28174461WHAT IT FOUND
In patients with Parkinson's disease, lower scores on a simple block-moving test closely matched higher scores on the standard motor exam.
A low block test score suggests significant motor impairment, offering a quick functional check for upper limb dexterity.
Key findings
01Box-and-Block Test scores on the more affected side showed a negative correlation with UPDRS-Motor Exam scores.
02Box-and-Block Test scores on the less affected side showed a stronger negative correlation with UPDRS-Motor Exam scores.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The sample size was small (31 participants), which limits the generalizability of the findings. The study used convenience sampling, which may introduce selection bias. The participants had mild to moderate disease (Hoehn and Yahr II-III), so the results may not apply to those with severe Parkinson's disease or significant cognitive impairment. The study was cross-sectional, so it shows a relationship at one point in time but does not prove that BBT scores can predict future motor decline.
Declared interests
No specific conflicts of interest or funding sources were declared in the provided text.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume the Box-and-Block Test replaces the UPDRS-Motor Exam or other comprehensive assessments. The correlation indicates a relationship, not equivalence, and the test does not capture the full spectrum of Parkinsonian motor symptoms such as tremor, rigidity, or gait stability.