The effects of a strengthening program on the fine-motor ability of handicapped children

This study investigated the effects of an upper extremity strengthening program on the fine-motor ability of 24 handicapped children. Five strength measures and four fine-motor tasks were used to collect pretest and posttest data. Results from this investigation revealed that the 2 groups of 12 subjects had no significant difference in the mean pretest fine-motor and strength scores and posttest fine-motor scores. A significant difference was found in their changed fine-motor score and posttest strength scores. This study did not address variables of gender, diagnosis, or severity of disability. Further research was recommended to investigate these variables and the effects of muscle tone, joint alignment and posture.