Development of lumbrical control in children aged four to six years

Abstract

This study was undertaken to provide data on the range and quality of movement performances in normal four, five and six year olds, when asked to demonstrate a simple lumbrical pattern of MCP flexion and IP extension in combination with wrist extension. The study also evaluated the ability to isolate individual movements of the thumb, third and fifth digits against the stable background posture. Lumbrical control appears poorly developed at four years, but improves from four to six years of age. The ability to isolate individual finger movements from the basic resting position improved across the three age levels. The results of this study revealed little difference between the performances of boys and girls, or between performances with either hand.