To establish normative data using the Jebsen Taylor hand function test (JHFT) for normal, ethnically diverse South Africans aged between 20 and 59 years

The use of outcome measures by occupational therapists to establish the effectiveness of treatment is important. The Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (JHFT) was identified as a standardised assessment suitable for the evaluation of outcomes related to the treatment of hand function. This study established norms for this test on 120 normal, ethnically diverse South Africans between the ages of 20 and 59 years. Statistically significant differences were found between the original norms published by Jebsen et al (1) and the South African sample for males and females, dominant and non-dominant hands and ethnic groupings. It is postulated that gender and cultural factors may influence the speed with which different groups complete functional tasks and these must be factored in when using the JHFT as an outcome measure in South Africa. The test appears to have limited application as a norm referenced test in South Africa, but may be valuable in determining progress in therapy or research