The Moberg pickup test: Results of testing with a standard protocol

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to propose a standard protocol for administering the Moberg pickup test. One hundred subjects (53 male and 47 female subjects, aged 11 to 77 years) volunteered. A wide variety of occupations were represented. No subjects had a history of upper extremity dysfunction. The materials and the testing procedures were clearly described to the subjects. Both hand dominance and gender difference were found to have significant effects on test performance. Norms were established for dominant/nondominant hands and for male/female subjects. Standard scores were calculated and used for comparison. The inter-rater reliability of the test was also determined. Administered with a standard protocol, the Moberg pickup test is a valuable test of functional sensibility. It is simple and quick to administer, easy to replicate, and inexpensive to acquire.