Motor function, the ability to physically perform tasks, is integrally related to daily functioning and quality of life. Accordingly, assessment of motor function has been included as a major domain of the NIH Toolbox. To identify components of motor function to be measured in the Toolbox, a Motor Domain Team was created (see column on Right).
The Motor Team began its work with literature reviews, a field survey of 147 researchers, in-depth interviews iwth 9 motor experts, and a national expert review of the process and early findings. Through this process the team identified five sub-domains that are critical for optimal functioning: locomotion, nonvestibular balance, dexterity, strength, and endurance.
Sub-domains
Locomotion: is defined as an act of moving from one place to the other place, reflecting ambulation ability including walking distance, velocity, and quality of the gait under different environments and ground surfaces.
Balance: is defined as the abilty to orient body parts in space and maintain an upright posture under both static and dynamic conditions after responding to internal and external disturbances.
Dexterity: is defined as an individual's ability to coordinate the fingers and manipulate objects in a timely manner.
Strength: refers to the capacity of a muscle to produce the tension and power necessary for maintaining posture, initiating movement, or controlling movement during conditions of loading the musculoskeletal system.
Endurance: is defined as the ability to sustain effort that requires conjoint work capacities from cardiopulmonary function, biomechanical and neuromuscular function. This measure focuses on overall physcial fitness instead of individual muscle endurance.