9-Hole Peg Test
Coordination Assessment Tool
- Standardized
- Relatively quick to administer
- Gender/Age related norms
- Portable
- Assesses finger dexterity
Items Required:
Set-up:
Instructions:
“Pick up the pegs one at a time, using your right (or left) hand only, and put them into the holes in any order until the holes are filled. Then, remove the pegs one at a time and return to the container. Stabilize the peg board with your left (or right) hand. This is a practice test. See how fast you can put all of the pegs in and take them out again. Are you ready? Go!"
[Tester begins timer - stop timer once the last peg is returned to the container].
“This will be the actual test. The instructions are the same. Work as quickly as you can. Are you ready? Go!"
[Tester begins timer].
[During the test] “Faster!”
[As soon as the last peg is in the board] “Out again…faster!”
[Stop timer once the last peg is returned to the container].
- 9-hole peg board
- 9 pegs
- Container
- Timer
Set-up:
- Peg board centered in front of person
- The container filled with pegs next to the board, on the same side as hand being assessed
- Dominant hand tested first
Instructions:
“Pick up the pegs one at a time, using your right (or left) hand only, and put them into the holes in any order until the holes are filled. Then, remove the pegs one at a time and return to the container. Stabilize the peg board with your left (or right) hand. This is a practice test. See how fast you can put all of the pegs in and take them out again. Are you ready? Go!"
[Tester begins timer - stop timer once the last peg is returned to the container].
“This will be the actual test. The instructions are the same. Work as quickly as you can. Are you ready? Go!"
[Tester begins timer].
[During the test] “Faster!”
[As soon as the last peg is in the board] “Out again…faster!”
[Stop timer once the last peg is returned to the container].
Norm Charts
Explain the patient's test results according to their age and sex.