Fine hand coordination refers to the organised movement of the muscles in the hand in an accurate and smooth manner, to achieve a specific action or perform a certain task. Fine hand use and coordination are frequently required in the work environment to complete a range of tasks such as writing, operating tools and equipment, handling workstation items such as telephones and keyboards, and lifting. Underlying causes of coordination difficulties include acquired brain injury, upper limb conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis, quadriplegia or neuromuscular diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
There are a number of solutions available to assist with difficulties associated with fine hand coordination:
In an office environment fine hand coordination is required to perform a number of tasks such as writing, keying, mouse use and handling office equipment. For more information see:
In an industrial environment fine hand coordination is required to perform a number of tasks such as lifting, operating tools and machinery and driving vehicles. For more information see:
In a catering environment there are various tasks that require fine hand coordination such as preparing and serving food. For more information see:
There are also numerous work tasks that require fine hand coordination in a medical and dental environment. For more information see:
Using the telephone is a task that is required in a large number of work roles. People with fine motor impairments may need to consider incorporating job strategies to assist them to complete telephone tasks such as:
- where possible ensure the person has good postural and trunk stability to maximise hand use. In sitting, this would require the provision of suitable ergonomic seating
- place items in easy reach to prevent prolonged overreaching
- consider the use of adaptive technology or equipment to minimise or eliminate fine hand use required with some tasks
- adaptations to the work environment for safety reasons may also be required where a person has coordination difficulties, such as the provision of machine guards for industrial equipment.
References
Independent Living Centres Australia 2007, Review of Products, Independent Living Centres Australia Inc, Sydney, viewed 23 March 2010, www.ilcaustralia.org.
Stevenson, M.G. 1999, Notes on the Principles of Ergonomics, Mike Stevenson Ergonomics, Sydney.