Precise Finger Movements in Monkeys

Many movement disorders interfere with skilled movements of the hand and digits, and patients give a high priority to restoration of skilled hand function. Because of both neuroanatomical and behavioural adaptations, the best available model for the study of skilled hand movements is the non-human primate, and this model may be required to study the effects of therapeutic approaches on hand function. A wide variety of different methods are available for qualitative and quantitative assessment of hand and digit function in non-human primates. These methods can document the kinematics, dynamics and functional organisation of hand and digit movements, as well as providing more direct measures of the efficiency of the hand in, for example, efficient retrieval of food rewards and the use of tools. They include the use of high speed digital video and motion analysis techniques. The techniques available are able to provide a quantitative documentation of the characteristic deficits resulting from movement disorders and other neurological diseases, and are sensitive enough to detect significant improvements in hand function due to therapy.