Fine hand coordination

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 to tasks such as writing, operating tools and equipment, handling workstation items (such as telephones and keyboards) lifting etc… Underlying causes of coordination difficulties include acquired brain injury, upper limb conditions (for example, 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:

Office Environment

Fine hand coordination in an office environment is required to perform a number of tasks such as writing, keying, mouse use and handling office equipment. For more information see:

• keyboarding and using a mouse
• writing, reporting and documenting
• using a telephone (or call centre equipment)
• handling office equipment and tools

Industrial Environment

Fine hand coordination in an industrial environment is required to perform a number of tasks such as lifting, operating tools and machinery and driving vehicles. For more information see:

• handling industrial equipment and tools
• driving motorised vehicles

Catering Environment

• handling catering equipment and tools

Medical and Dental Environment

• handling medical or dental equipment

On the job strategies

Additional to the workplace solutions identified above, people with fine motor impairments may also need to incorporate on the job strategies to assist them to complete telephone tasks such as:

• Where possible ensure the individual has good postural and trunk stability to maximise hand use (for example, the provision of ergonomic seating)
• Place items in easy reach to prevent prolonged over-reaching
• 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 (for example, provision of machine guards for industrial equipment).

References

Independent Living Centres Australia 2007, Independent Living Centres Australia, Canberra, viewed 12 September 2007.

Stevenson, M.G. 1999, Notes on the Principles of Ergonomics, Mike Stevenson Ergonomics, Sydney.