Muscle strength of the hands and fingers increases
as children grow and participate in everyday activities. Activities such as climbing, playing with toys or scribbling with crayons all help to develop and strengthen the muscles of the hands and fingers.
Hand and finger strength is important as it is required for many everyday activities such as doing up buttons and zips, climbing monkey bars or cutting up a piece of steak at mealtimes. It also helps to develop the endurance to complete activities such as writing a full page.
Grip strength refers to whole hand strength. Pinch strength involves the thumb and index finger (and the middle finger if required).