You have full access to this open access chapter, Download reference work entry PDF
Synonyms
Definition
Manual dexterity is the ability to make coordinated and skillful hand and finger movements to grasp and manipulate objects. Additionally, manual dexterity requires coordination between muscular, skeletal, and neurological functions, including the vision system, in order to produce small, precise movements. Development of these skills occurs over time, primarily during childhood. Developed manual dexterity requires the ability to cognitively plan and execute a task. These skills are fundamental for an individual to experience and learn about his or her environment. Manual dexterity development follows a set of developmental milestones, beginning with gross motor body movements progressing to fine motor movements. Typical manual dexterity development results in the ability to write with a pencil, stack blocks, pick up small items, cut with scissors, and other skills requiring precise movements. Difficulties with manual dexterity may be affected by a variety of conditions that include abrasions or dysfunctions of the brain, cerebellum, spinal cord, nerves, muscles, and/or joints. Developmental and genetic disorders, as well as neurological conditions, may impede manual dexterity; examples include autism spectrum disorder, Parkinson’s disease, muscular dystrophy, Down’s syndrome, cerebral palsy and/or a stroke, or traumatic brain injury. It is important to note in average individuals that fine motor skills decline with age.
Physical and occupational therapy can be implemented to improve manual dexterity.
Cross-References
References and Readings
Bruni, M. (2006). Fine motor skills in children with down syndrome: A guide for parents and professionals (2nd ed.). Bethesda: Woodbine House.
Krampe, R. T. (2002). Aging, expertise and fine motor movement. Neuroscience and Behavioral Reviews, 26, 769–776.
Lloyd, M., Macdonald, M., & Lord, C. (2013). Motor skills of toddlers with autism spectrum disorders. Autism, 17(2), 133–146.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2017 Springer International Publishing AG
About this entry
Cite this entry
Makofske, B., Power, E. (2017). Manual Dexterity. In: Kreutzer, J., DeLuca, J., Caplan, B. (eds) Encyclopedia of Clinical Neuropsychology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-56782-2_1460-2
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-56782-2_1460-2
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-56782-2
Online ISBN: 978-3-319-56782-2
eBook Packages: Springer Reference Behavioral Science and PsychologyReference Module Humanities and Social SciencesReference Module Business, Economics and Social Sciences