Effect of Eyes Open and Blindfold on Gender and Handedness Using Moberg Pickup Test- A Comparative Study

Abstract

BACKGROUNDMoberg defined hand function as precision sensory grip. Whenever a precision sensory grip is possible, protective sensation is always present. MATERIALS AND METHODSMoberg pickup test was conducted in 150 apparently healthy first year medical students comprising of 86 females and 64 males between age group of 18-21 years. Twelve commonly used metallic objects were chosen. The present study aims to see the impact of eyes open and blindfolded on gender and handedness using Moberg pickup test in medical students. RESULTSData was collected using purposive sampling technique and was scientifically analysed using student t test and p value of <0.05 and <0.001 was considered as significant and highly significant respectively. It was observed that dominant hand performed the test faster than non-dominant hand with eyes open and when blindfolded. Males were found to be faster than females while performing the test using both dominant and non-dominant hand with eyes open and when blindfolded. CONCLUSIONMoberg pickup test being simple, convenient and cheaper can widely be applied to assess hand coordination and also as an assessment tool for recovery of hand functions following injury. We all know that human hand is a wonder. Four fingers and an opposable thumb work together to enable humans to interact with each other and shape the world around them which is a unique feature in humans. Fingertips have highest concentration of touch receptors. These dense areas of nerve endings makes the fingers extremely sensitive to heat, cold, pressure, vibration, texture, and moisture. (1) As per the studies in the past it was seen that somatosensory input is considered as one of the important determinants of motor performance executed by the upper limbs. (2)(3)(4) In particular, the fingertips are dependent primarily on tactile afferents for sensory information to distinguish the object shape, mass, mass distribution, and the friction of the grasp that is necessary for fine motor control. (3) Financial or Other, Competing Interest: None. Submission 06-03-2017, Peer Review 26-03-2017, Acceptance 05-04-2017, Published 13-04-2017. Corresponding Author: Dr. Narayan V. Kamat Dalal, Assistant Lecturer, Department of Physiology, Goa Medical College, Bambolim, Goa. E-mail: nvkd10@gmail.com DOI: 10.14260/jemds/2017 Studies in the past have also shown that any disruption of sensations at the tips of the fingers can compromise fine motor dexterity of the hand. (5) In 1958, Eric Moberg developed a test to quantify the ability of the hand. (6) The present study was conducted with the aim to study the effect of eyes open and blindfolded on gender and handedness using Moberg pickup test in medical students. We also hypothesised that dominant hand is more skilled in task performance than the non-dominant hand. KEYWORDS