Dynamic Tripod Grasp
A dynamic tripod grasp has been considered to be the preferred pencil grasp. When manipulating a writing utensil with a dynamic tripod grasp, your child uses their thumb, index and middle finger to stabilize the pencil. The remaining fingers, including the ring finger and the little finger, are flexed and tucked into the palm of the hand. This position forms an arch known as the distal transverse metacarpal arch (DTM arch). The DTM arch is important as it gives stability to the joints and muscles of the hand.
Adapted Tripod Grasp:
The adapted tripod grasp is useful for children who have low muscle tone.
The pads of the thumb, index and middle fingers hold the pencil and the pencil rests in the webspace between the index and middle finger.
The adapted tripod grasp allows for freely moving joints and does not require as much thumb strength in order to hold the pencil in place.
Lateral Tripod Grasp:
When using a lateral tripod grasp a child manipulates the pencil with their thumb, index and middle fingers. You will see your child use the pads of their index and middle fingers to grip the pencil. They typically rest the last joint of their thumb also known as their distal interphalangeal joint (DIP joint) on the pencil versus using their thumb pad. The placement of the thumb on the DIP joint limits joint movement and therefore, affects small precise movements of their fingers.
Lateral Quadrupod Grasp:
When manipulating a pencil with a lateral quadrupod grasp your child manipulates the pencil in a very similar way to the lateral tripod grasp, only the ring finger is also involved when holding the pencil. Again, the child rests the last joint of the thumb, also referred to as the, DIP joint on the shaft of the pencil versus using the tip of their thumb. Children who use this particular grasp may fatigue easily due to decreased stability.
Thumb Warp Grasp:
If your child uses a thumb warp grasp you will see a more proximal hand placement on the pencil. You will also take note to your child's thumb wrapping around the pencil and resting onto their index and middle fingers. This grasp does not allow for functional movement of the fingers and finger joints.
Thumb Tuck Grasp:
If you have seen your child hold a pencil using the thumb tuck grasp you will see them tuck their thumb into the bend of the index finger at the middle joint, also known as the, proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP joint). The main "movers" of the pencil are your child's index and middle finger. This grasp closes the open webspace and eliminates the formation of the distal transverse metacarpal arch (DTM arch). When the webspace is closed tightly around the pencil, and there is no DTM arch, it decreases functional movement of your child fingers.
Four-Finger Grasp:
If your child uses a four-fingered grasp you will typically see them holding the pencil more proximal in relation to the pencil tip. They will use their thumb, and all four fingers to hold the pencil in place. This grasp is typically seen in children who are 3.5 to 4 years of age.