Introduction: Hand function is based on coordinated finger movements, which is evident even in seemingly simple tasks such as buttoning. It is not only important whether the subject is able to perform the task, but also the way in which it is performed - easily, accurately and quickly or with difficulty. Hand dexterity is most easily assessed with pin tests, which require a certain degree of accuracy, but measure the speed of execution. The results allow for the quantitative evaluation of ability in healthy people and those with impaired hand function or predict the accuracy and speed of movement. Purpose: To assess whether occupational work involving fine motor skills or gross or cylindrical grasping affects the performance of ten NHPT performances. Methods: Healthy subjects, aged 45–55 years, were divided into two groups: group 1, adults whose work requires fine motor skills, and group 2, those whose work requires strength and a coarse or cylindrical grip. Each performed ten repetitions of the NHPT. We compared the performance times between the two groups. Relative values were calculated as the ratio between an individual repetition and the time of the first performance. The results were processed by calculating medians, quartiles, and interquartile ranges. For intergroup comparisons, the Mann-Whitney U-test was used. Results: Group 1 had statistically significantly shorter absolute times than group 2. Relative times between the groups did not differ statistically for individual performances. The median of relative times decreased in group 1 until the sixth repetition, then remained stable or increased slightly; in group 2 until the fifth repetition. Performances in group 1 deviated less from the average, indicating greater consistency. Progress was more pronounced and stable in group 1. Test performance times did not differ between the dominant and non-dominant hand. Discussion and conclusions: Group 1 was faster than group 2 in all performances. Relative times decreased in group 1 until the sixth repetition, and in group 2 until the third, which indicates learning. Later, relative values remain stable, which can be explained by simultaneous learning, fatigue, or reaching maximum speed. Occupation affects the speed of NHPT performance, but not the speed of learning or fatigue.
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