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Reference values for revised and standardized Dellon's modification of Moberg pick-up test with inter-rater reliability
Marisa M Nikkonen, OT, registered
1; Kaarina Pirilä, Ph.D., GCP-certified, MSc
2(1)Villa Manus Oy, Vantaa, Finland, (2)Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, Helsinki, Finland
Introduction:Functional sensory testing was first introduced by Erik Moberg, and in the 1980s A. Lee Dellon developed a standardized version using specific test items, known as the Dellon-modified Moberg pick-up test (DMMPUT). However, the test lacked a commercially available and clearly standardized protocol, making consistent clinical use challenging. Therapists had difficulty assembling the items, especially when only US-based measurements were available. In 2013, with the kind permission of Dr. Dellon, a detailed and fully standardized protocol using metric units was developed to improve usability. The goal was to create a portable and practical tool for everyday clinical use. A 2015 pilot study and peer feedback confirmed that the test was considered quick, feasible, and easy to integrate into practice when assessing dexterity and functional sensation.
The main objectives of this research were (1) to examine the inter-rater reliability of the revised DMMPUT and (2) to gather normative reference data from healthy adult participants aged 20 to 71 and above in Finland. Ensuring the validity and reliability of clinical assessment tools is essential for accurate evaluation and tracking of hand function and sensory recovery.
Methods:For inter-rater reliability analysis, 45 participants completed the test three times-each time under the observation of a different trained rater. The standardized testing procedure was followed in all cases. Reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) statistics. For normative data collection,
686 healthy individuals were tested. Participants performed the task of picking up and identifying small items without visual input. Performance time was recorded and categorized by age group, gender, and hand dominance.
Results:Inter-rater reliability was high (ICC = 0.86), approaching excellent levels. All three tests were conducted within the same day, suggesting short-term practice effects. Normative results showed slower performance with increasing age, and statistically significant differences between genders. Repeated testing also revealed improved performance during second trials, consistent with prior findings on repetition effects.
Conclusions:The updated DMMPUT demonstrates strong inter-rater reliability and is well-suited for both clinical and research applications. It offers a standardized, easy-to-use method for assessing fine motor skills and sensory function. This study presents full normative reference values based on
686 healthy Finnish participants aged 20 and above, providing a solid baseline for future clinical comparisons.
Keywords: Assessment, Dexterity, Sensory, Nerve, Recovery, Research
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