Dexterity

Dexterity refers to skill and ease in performing tasks that require precise and coordinated movement of the hands and fingers, often in conjunction with sight and touch. It encompasses fine motor control, hand-eye coordination, and the ability to manipulate small objects quickly and accurately. The term is used across fields such as medicine, sports, crafts, and robotics.

Dexterity can be described as fine motor dexterity (precision finger movements such as threading a needle) and manual dexterity (overall hand coordination and coordination of arm and hand). It includes speed, accuracy, adaptability, and the integration of sensory feedback with motor execution.

Development and decline are influenced by age, practice, and neurological integrity. Infants develop reaching and grasping, and training improves skills through repetition. Aging can reduce manual dexterity. Conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and peripheral nerve injuries can impair dexterity, while rehabilitation and therapy may restore function.

Common assessments include the Nine-Hole Peg Test, Purdue Pegboard Test, and the Box and Blocks Test, though many evaluations combine motor and functional tasks. In research and clinical practice, dexterity measures help diagnose impairment, track progress, or evaluate the impact of treatment.

Applications span daily activities, surgery and dentistry that demand precision, musical performance, sports, and manufacturing. In robotics, dexterous manipulation refers to the ability of a robot hand or gripper to perform complex tasks with reliability.

Etymology: from Latin dexter, right-handed, with dexterous meaning skilled or resourceful.