Jamar Hand Function Test

By: Emma Cohen

Objectives:
Overview of the Jamar Hand Function
Test (JHFT)
How to Administer the JHFT
How to Score the JHFT
Strengths and Weaknesses of the JHFT
Research in Support of the JHFT
 The Jamar Hand Function Test is a seven part,
timed, standardized test to determine level of hand
function to complete everyday tasks

The seven subtests include:

Writing
Simulated page turning
Lifting of small common objects
Simulated feeding
Stacking items
Lifting large, lightweight objects
Lifting large, heavy objects (1lb)
 Overview
Age Range: 6+
Population:
Stroke (CVA) Spinal Cord Injuries
Hand Fractures Carpal Tunnel
Syndrome
Osteoarthritis
Geriatric Patients
Rheumatoid Arthritis Cerebral Palsy
Traumatic Brain Injury Finger Amputations
Parkinsons Disease
Materials: Pen
Stopwatch
8 x 11 unruled paper
Clipboard
Index cards
Empty coffee can
5 empty cans
5 full (1lb) cans
2 U.S. pennies
2 bottle caps
5 kidney beans
Wooden board
C-clamp
4 checkers
Tape
 ADMINISTRATION
Each subtest is tested and timed with
non-dominant hand, followed by dominant hand
Subtest 1: Writing
Subtest 2: Simulated Page Turning
Subtest 3: Lifting of Small Common Objects
Subtest 4: Simulated Feeding
Subtest 5: Stacking Checkers
Subtest 6: Lifting Large, Light Objects
Subtest 7: Lifting Large, Heavy Objects (1lb.)
Scoring:
Subtest score = time (seconds) to complete task

Total score = sum of times for each subtest

Lower score = greater function

Scoring:
 Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
Quick to administer
Quick to score
Functional assessment
Norm-referenced assessment
Not necessary to complete all
subtests
Can be used with a variety of ages
and diagnoses
Weaknesses:
Expensive ($376)
Only assesses unilateral hand
function
Assess speed, not quality of
performance
No detailed manual provided
Limited research available
 Use of Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test in Evaluating the Hand
Dexterity in People with Parkinsons Disease

Objective: To investigate the test-retest reliability of Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test

in older patients with Parkinsons disease and to compare the JTHFT scores between
subjects with parkinsons and healthy subjects.

Methods: 15 healthy subjects and 15 subjects with Parkinsons completed the

Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test and time to complete was recorded.

Conclusion:
Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test is a reliable assessment tool for assessing the
hand function of subjects with Parkinsons.
Parkinsons subjects took a longer time to complete the assessment, suggesting
that they have deficits in gross and fine functional dexterity. (Mak et al., 2015)
Validity of the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test in Predicting Activities
of Daily Living

Objective: To determine the validity of the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test in

predicting functional hand use in activities of daily living.

Methods: 18 subjects with traumatic central spinal cord injuries between the ages of
26-70 years old were assessed using the Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test and the
Klein-Bell Scale.

Results: There was a statistically significant correlation between the Jebsen-Taylor

Hand Function Test and three of the Klein-bell subscales that reflect hand function:
dressing (r=-.69, p<.01), Bathing/Hygiene (r=-.57, p<.01), and Eating (r=-.45, p<.05).
(Lynch & Bridle, 1989)
 Resources
(2013, October 11). Retrieved March 19, 2017, from
https://kaylabull.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/joanne-assessment-education-sheets-for-competency-1.pdf
In Depth Review of the Jebsen Hand Function Test (JHFT). (n.d.). Retrieved March 20, 2017, from
http://www.strokengine.ca/indepth/jhft_indepth/
Lynch, K. B., & Bridle, M. J. (1989). Validity of the jebsen-taylor hand function test in predicting activities of daily living. OTJR: Occupation, Participation
and Health, 9(5), 316-318. doi:10.1177/153944928900900505

Mak, M. K. Y., Lau, E. T. L., Tam, V. W. K., Woo, C. W. Y., & Yuen, S. K. Y. (2015). Use of jebsen taylor hand function test in
evaluating the hand dexterity in people with parkinson's disease. Journal of Hand Therapy : Official Journal of the American
Society of Hand Therapists, 28(4), 389-395. doi:10.1016/j.jht.2015.05.002
Raad, J. (2014, September 3). Rehab Measures - Jebsen Hand Function Test. Retrieved March 20, 2017, from
http://www.rehabmeasures.org/Lists/RehabMeasures/DispForm.aspx?ID=1025