Assessment of the fine motor ability and hand grip strategies associated with cooking skill performance in preschool-aged children

Document Type

Conference Paper

Publication Date

4-10-2026

Presentation Format

In person

Department

Health and Sport Science

Abstract

In this study we sought to evaluate the impact of fine motor ability on cooking skill performance in preschool-aged children. Additionally, we characterized the hand grip strategies employed by the children to manipulate the cooking utensils. Thirty-five children aged 3-5 years old completed five cooking skills: stirring, spooning, spreading, slicing, and mashing. Their performance was scored using a criterion-based assessment tool that evaluated both process and product measures. We instrumented the cooking utensil with a pressure sensor that recorded the magnitude and distribution of the force applied to the utensil. In addition, participants completed standardized tests from the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency 2nd Edition to evaluate fine motor precision, integration, and manual dexterity, i.e., constructs of fine motor function.

Participants completed the Hand Accumulation and Dexterity Functional Limits-Shriners test to determine in-hand manipulation ability and palmar workspace; two additional constructs related to fine motor ability. A structural equation model determined whether the fine motor constructs predicted cooking skill performance. A hierarchical cluster analysis categorized hand grip strategies from the force variables obtained with the instrumented utensil. Results of the structural equation model indicated that manual dexterity and palmar workspace were predictive of cooking skill performance. Different hand grip strategies were identified across the cooking skills and participants modulated their strategy to the demands of each task. For most cooking skills, a single strategy was not predictive of high-performance, demonstrating motor equivalence. However, those unable to generate large forces during mashing or high force and postural control during spreading tended to perform the skill less proficiently. The assessment of developmentally appropriate cooking skills provides insight to the fine motor ability of preschool aged children. Moreover, children at this age will adapt how they utilize a cooking utensil in response to the context of task.

Disciplines

Education

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