Relationship between tactile spatial resolution and digital dexterity during childhood.

The aim of this study was to determine whether tactile spatial resolution and digital dexterity performance are associated during childhood. A total of 104 healthy children (52 boys and 52 girls) were assessed. The tactile spatial resolution threshold was determined using an enlarged set of JVP domes with a procedure adapted for children. Digital dexterity was tested with the Purdue Pegboard Test. While tactile spatial resolution and digital dexterity improved with age following a parallel evolution, no correlation was found between the scores of the children for both tests. We suggest that central maturational processes are responsible for a global refinement of sensory and motor function between the ages of 4 and 10 years, reaching the range of adult values at this age.