Control of voluntary movement functions
Examining voluntary movement functions will reveal potentially existing problems in the control and coordination of simple and complex voluntary intentional movements, such as for instance the carrying out of movement sequences in the correct combination.
Performance task
Screening
Procedure: The doctor assesses the patient’s ability to carry out a movement (e.g. gripping, picking up and placing down a pen) purposefully and in a coordinated manner. A further supplementary test (the Purdue Pegboard Test) can be carried out by a physiotherapist or occupational therapist. The criteria listed in the following table are used for the assessment:
Documentation example:
Purdue Pegboard Test
Supplementary testing
Required material: Purdue Pegboard Test material, stopwatch
Procedure: The patient sits at a table on which the test material is positioned and undertakes a range of tasks within a given timeframe:
1. Using the right hand, place the pins in the right-hand holes (30 secs)
2. Using the left hand, place the pins in the left-hand holes (30 secs)
3. Using both hands together, place the pins in the right-hand and left-hand holes at the same time (30 secs)
4. Using both hands, place the pins (right), washers (left), collars (right) and washers (left) in the right-hand holes (60 secs).
The examiner counts the number of objects completed for each of the tasks in the given time.
Documentation example:
