The JHFT was developed to provide a standardized and objective evaluation of several major aspects of hand function using simulated activities of daily living.

Number of items: 7

Procedure/Administration: Fine motor, weighted and non-weighted hand function is assessed through writing; turning over 3 by 5 inch cards; picking up small common objects; simulated feeding; stacking checkers; picking up large objects; and picking up large heavy objects. Patients are required to perform all of the subtests with both the right and left hands, with the non-dominant hand tested first (Jebsen et al. 1969). 

How scored: The scoring method is the time necessary to complete each subtest (rounded the nearest second). The results are measured by using a stop watch.

Interpretability: Test results appear easy to interpret. Norms are available with the instruction manual. Slow times reflect a less desirable performance.

Acceptability: The JHFT represents one of the oldest standardized tests of hand function and used individuals with SCI during its initial development.

Languages: English

Usability: N/a

Time to administer: 30-45 minutes

Time to score: ~15 minutes.

Training required: Training is not required – however, given the standardized nature of the JHFT assessors should refer to the Jebsen paper for details on how to administer the test (Jebsen et al.1969).

Availability: N/a

Equipment required: N/a

Summary: The JHFT only assesses the speed and not the quality of performance

Psychometric Summary:

Note: TR= Test re-test; IC= Internal Consistency;Inter-O=Inter-observer; Intra-O=Intra-observer; SS=Sensitivity/Specificity.

Red light= A single study involving SCI subjects which has less than adequate findings of reliability, validity, and/or responsiveness.

Yellow light= A single study involving subjects with SCI which has adequate to excellent findings of reliability, validity, and/or responsiveness.

Green light= At least 2 studies involving subjects with SCI which have adequate to excellent findings of reliability, validity, and/or responsiveness.

N/a= No information.

References

• Bovend Eerdt TJH, Dawes H, Johansen-Berg H, Wade DT. Evaluation of the Modified Jebsen Test of Hand Function and the University of Maryland Arm Questionnaire for Stroke. Clinical Rehabilitation 2004; 18: 195-202.
• Jebsen RH, Taylor N, Trieschmann RB, Trotter MH, Howard LA. An objective and standardized test of hand function. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 1969;50:311-19.
• Spaulding SJ, McPherson HH, Strachota E, Kuphal M, Ramponi M. Jebsen Hand Function Test: Performance of the Uninvolved Hand in Hemiplegia and of Right-handed, Right and Left Hemiplegic Persons. Arch Phys Rehabil 1988;69:419-22.
• Stern EB. Stability of the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test Across Three Test Sessions. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy 1992;46:647-49.