title: Influence of task and tool characteristics on scissor skills in typical adults.
abstract: To clarify expectations for mature cutting skills and investigate the influences of cutting task and scissor type, we videotaped 60 typical adults cutting three shapes with two different types of scissors. The videotapes were reviewed, and 38 aspects of grasp and cutting motions were rated. Percentages of participants who used a particular grip or cutting motion for each shape with each scissor type were reported and compared. Findings included variations in grasp that depended on the scissor type used and variations in cutting motions that depended on the shape being cut. Improved understanding of mature scissor skills and the effect of variations in the cutting task and scissor type used will allow more effective assessment of and intervention for children and adults with cutting difficulties. Specific implications for practice are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 930 Madison, Suite 620, Memphis, TN 38163, USA. amitchell@uthsc.edu
authors.forename: Anita Witt
authors.initials: AW
authors.lastname: Mitchell
authors.forename: Carmen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hampton
authors.forename: Mistie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hanks
authors.forename: Chelsea
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: Natalie
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ray
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006225:Hand; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills; D009068:Movement; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis