Test-retest reliability of the Purdue Pegboard test for chidren with Down syndrome

  Introduction: Down syndrome is considered as one of the most important causes of disability. In children with Down syndrome, compliance with poor motor coordination has a considerable effect on different motor skills including dexterity. Purdue Pegboard test is one of the tools used in occupational therapy to assess fine motor skills of upper extremity. The purpose of this study was to determine the test-retest reliability and practice effects of the Purdue Pegboard in children with Down syndrome.   Materials and Methods: Twenty-four children with Down syndrome aging 7-14 (mean:9/7±2/7) of both sexes were non-randomly selected from rehabilitation clinics and hospitals of Tehran. A demographic questionnaire was used for documenting participant s general data and the Purdue Pegboard test and a timer were used to determine the reliability. Each subtest was administered three times in a row. The time interval between test and retest was one week.   Results: The relative reliability in repeated measures was above 80% in different items of Purdue Pegboard test in single and mean of testes, thus it indicates an optimum reliability. The absolute reliability was lower than 10% of maximum obtained scores at each subtest in one and three trial of test that indicates acceptable errors of measurement.   Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that Purdue Pegboard test is enough reliable in one and three trials for evaluating a manual dexterity of children with Down syndrome.