Performance Discrimination and Responsiveness of an Integrative Scoring Method for the Jebsen-Taylor Test of Hand Function in Children with Unilateral Cerebral Palsy

AIMS: The original scoring of the Jebsen-Taylor Test of Hand Function (JTTHF) evaluates only the time required to complete subtests, neglecting accuracy. In this study, we propose a new scoring system, designed to capture the integration of both speed and accuracy. This study aimed to evaluate (1) the ability to discriminate manual dexterity over time using both the original and integrative scores in typically developing children (TDC) for reference and (2) the responsiveness of the integrative score following intensive intervention in children with unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP). METHODS: This observational study included 169 TDC (one assessment) and 40 children with UCP assessed before and after an intervention. RESULTS: The original score indicated age-related improvements in manual dexterity up to 8-10 years, after which performance tended to plateau. In contrast, the integrative score displayed a continuous age-related improvement. Significant differences were observed post-intervention for both the less and more affected hands in children with UCP for both scoring methods. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the use of the integrative score for assessing manual dexterity in children with TDC, demonstrating reliable performance discrimination. Both scores showed responsiveness in children with UCP. Therefore, we recommend the integrative score for assessing dexterity with JTTHF.