Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a structured manual therapy program on hand dexterity in young children.

Background: Impaired hand dexterity is a common feature in pediatric movement disorders. While pharmacological and task-oriented therapies are widely studied, the role of manual therapy in improving upper limb function remains underexplored.

Method: 60 children aged 4–8 years (mean age 6.1 ± 1.2 years) with clinically diagnosed movement disorders (including dystonia, spasticity, and mixed motor presentations) were enrolled in a prospective interventional study. Participants underwent a 12-week manual therapy program (3 sessions/week), focusing on joint mobilization, myofascial release, proprioceptive facilitation, and sensorimotor integration techniques. Hand dexterity was assessed pre- and post-intervention using the Box and Block Test (BBT), Nine-Hole Peg Test (NHPT), and Melbourne Assessment 2 (MA2).

Results: Post-intervention analysis demonstrated statistically significant improvements in dexterity measures. Mean BBT scores increased by 18% (p < 0.01), NHPT completion time improved by 22% (p < 0.01), and MA2 functional hand scores improved by 15% (p < 0.05). Greater improvements were observed in children aged 6–8 years compared to younger participants. No adverse events were reported.

Conclusion: A structured manual therapy program was associated with significant improvements in hand dexterity in children with movement disorders aged 4–8 years. Manual therapy may represent a valuable adjunct to multidisciplinary neurorehabilitation strategies.

Post intervention result

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/effects-of-manual-therapy-on-hand-dexterity-in-children-aged-4-8-years-a-prospective-interventional-study/