DEVELOPMENT OF IN-HAND MANIPULATION AND RELATIONSHIP WITH ACTIVITIES

Objectives. This study examines the age-related increase of in-hand ma nipulation, the consistency of using a manipulation strategy, and the relationship between the frequency of in-hand manipulation and activit ies that typically require use of intrinsic band control. Method. Chil dren (N = 184) between 2 years and 7 years of age were observed during selected activities that could elicit three forms of in-hand manipula tion: rotation, finger-to-palm translation, and palm-to-finger transla tion. The child's use of a manipulation strategy was recorded. Activit ies that required manipulation of objects including a spoon, buttons, and crayons were also observed. Results. The study demonstrated that t he frequency of two types of in-hand manipulation increases with age a nd illustrated the uneven nature of development of different types of in-hand manipulation. Even when the child had the ability, use of in-h and manipulation as a movement strategy was inconsistent. Small but si gnificant relationships between in-hand manipulation skill and perform ance in selected activities were found when the effects of age were co ntrolled. Conclusion. On a practical level, the findings raise questio ns as to whether maturity of in-hand manipulation may be a factor limi ting performance in the everyday activities of typically developing ch ildren.