LAUSR

Abstract Purpose The usability of assistive technologies depends, in part, on the user’s ability to manipulate the device. In the context of aging and visual impairment, the visibility of any device and its components becomes crucial, and often users rely on tactile information in order to overcome visibility barriers. The purpose of this study was to establish performance norms for older adults with low vision on a common measure of manual dexterity: the Purdue Pegboard Test. Method The Purdue Pegboard was completed visually with the dominant, non-dominant and both hands by 134 older adults (age 60–97) with various levels of low vision, ranging from 20/30 to 20/604 in the better eye. Results Scores decreased significantly as age increased. In addition, performance using the dominant hand was generally best. Compared to previously published values, scores were lower than the norms for healthy older adults as well as those for younger visually impaired individuals. Conclusions The present values for older adults with low vision add to the already existing standards and allow for comparison among future studies with this population. Systematic examination of manual dexterity in low vision clients will enable rehabilitation specialists to make more informed recommendations in terms of usable low-vision devices. Implications for rehabilitation Older adults with visual impairment often rely on tactile cues when using assistive devices. The Purdue Pegboard provides a systematic evaluation of manual dexterity, whereby age norms exist for older adults and for visually impaired younger adults. We present normative data on the Purdue Pegboard test for older adults with low vision in order to facilitate comparison of performance. Systematic evaluation of manual dexterity will inform whether some assistive devices are suitable for older adults with a visual impairment.