An MRMT study of 118 subjects treated surgically by a hand surgeon found that inter-rater reliability using 2 independent raters was moderate at r = 0.75 (Gloss & Wardle, 1982). Whereas a study by Jurgensen, (1943) showed that a 2 trial test-retest reliability for placing was r = 0.87, turning 0.91, 1-hand turning and placing 0.95, and 2-hand turning and placing 0.94; while a 4 trial reliability for placing was r = 0.93, turning 0.95, 1-hand turning and placing 0.98, and 2-hand turning and placing 0.97 representing highly significant consistencies. Desrosiers, Hébert, and Bravo (1997) found that test-retest reliability of the MMDT subtests ranged from r = 0.79 to 0.88 and correlation coefficients with the Box and Block Test and the Purdue Pegboard Test were moderate at –0.63 and –0.67, respectively. The same study, using only the common placing and turning test when comparing the MMDT with MRMT, found that the 2 were highly correlated at 0.85, 0.95, and 0.95 for right hand, left hand, and turning tests; however, it was also determined that the time required to complete MMDT tasks were longer than that of the MRMT. A study by Surrey et al. (2003) generally concurred with those results of 233 subjects aged 18 to 70 years that yielded statistically significant longer performance times for the MMDT (i.e., placing: MMDT 49.96 seconds vs. MRMT 45.58 seconds and turning subtests: MMDT 62.58 seconds and MRMT 61.23 seconds).

Advantages

There is a large amount of research pertaining to the subtests of both the MRMT and MMDT assessments and available normative data has been derived from large cohorts of people across the lifespan. Testing procedures and scoring have remained stable and relatively unchanged since the 1940s for the MRMT subtests which are often used in the newer MMDT as well. Alas, the MMDT may be considered more refined because it is made of plastic, is sleeker, and is able fold like an accordion into a briefcase. Neither test requires any special training.

Disadvantages

The original MMRT, constructed of wood, can be large and awkward and both tests require a lot of space due to the size of the boards when opened, 81 cm by 22 cm (31 inches x 9 inches) or greater, and since the test is completed in the standing position taller/shorter people may have difficulty with the recommended table height of 28 to 32 inches found in both assessments. Finally, there is less direct research pertaining to the newer MMDT.

Administration

Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test Pdf

The examiner’s manual provides for standardized instruction as well as scoring norms, which are also available elsewhere. Each subtest is completed in the standing position and can include a placing test which measures the speed with which the subject can put the blocks into the holes with one hand; a displacing test that measures the speed with which blocks can be removed; a one-hand turning and placing test, which measures the speed with which a subject can manipulate the blocks, as well as put them into holes with one hand; and a two-hand turning and placing test that measures the speed with which the subject can manipulate two blocks, one with each hand, as well as put them into the holes.

Permissions

Both the MMDT and MRMT can be purchased from various therapy supply companies; however, the original wooden version may be difficult to find. Price for the readily available MMDT vary from $185 to $250. To use in research or publication contact where purchased or where published. More information can be found in the following article:

Surrey, L., Nelson, K., Delelio, C., Mathie-Majors, D., Omel-Edwards, N., Shumaker, J., & Thurber, G. (2003). A comparison of performance outcomes between the Minnesota Rate of Manipulation Test and the Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test. Work, 20(2), 97-102.

Summary

Contact

Lafayette Instrument Company

P.O. Box 5729

Lafayette, IN 47903

Phone: (800) 428-7545 (Toll free US Only)

Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test Instructions

Web: www.lafayetteevaluation.com/product_detail.asp?itemid=164