SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Hand Strength”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 793 records · Page 44Linked to original sources

PubMed2006

Vascularized bone grafts from the palmar radius for the treatment of waist nonunions of the scaphoid.

PURPOSE: With their intrinsic vascularity vascularized bone grafts provide an alternative solution to the challenging problem of scaphoid nonunions. The union rate (after imaging evaluation including magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) and functional outcome of using vascularized bone grafts pedicled on the palmar carpal epiphyseal artery for waist nonunions of the scaphoid are reported in this prospective case series. METHODS: The technique was applied to 9 waist nonunions resulting from fractures. The mean time elapsed from the initial injury to the procedure was 22 months and the mean follow-up time was 24 months. The graft was pedicled on the artery running at the distal edge of the pronator quadratus and was inserted in the nonunion as an intercalary graft. Six patients had postoperative MRIs to evaluate fracture healing and graft incorporation. RESULTS: Union was accomplished in all cases between 6 and 12 weeks. Postoperative MRI showed the viability of the graft (contrast-enhanced images) and confirmed union and graft incorporation. Complete absence of pain was noted in all patients. The Mayo modified wrist score increased from 63 to 92 after surgery and according to this score results were excellent in 5 patients and good in 4. CONCLUSIONS: Vascularized bone grafts from the anterior radius lead to rapid union and consolidation in cases of waist nonunion. Postoperative MRI confirms viability of the graft, union, and graft incorporation. The approach is limited to the distal radius and wrist and lacks donor site morbidity. The interposition of the graft from the palmar side allows correction of the humpback deformity and patients regain carpal height, grip strength, and painless motion. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, Level IV.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

Influence of muscle strength on bone strength during childhood and adolescence.

In connection with the prevention of osteoporosis, paediatrics is challenged with ensuring the optimal formation of the skeletal system with maximal bone strength during childhood and youth. Biomechanical use represents the most important stimulus for activating the skeletal system. The measurement of muscle strength (grip strength) in 97 females aged 3-62 years and 71 males aged 3-61 years showed an age-dependent course. On the whole, males have greater strength with a more pronounced increase after puberty, reaching a peak maximum at 25-30 years. Females show a more moderate increase after puberty. In a pilot study, bone strength (as bone strength index-BSI) was analysed at the distal radius using peripheral quantitative computerized tomography (pQCT). BSI was calculated on the basis of the geometric data of the polar moment of resistance in combination with the cortical bone density. BSI values increase with age and reach a peak maximum at 25-30 years. There was a highly significant correlation between BSI and grip strength (r = 0.87). These relationships are especially interesting for therapeutic concepts differentiating between direct and indirect (via the muscle system) influences on the skeletal system. The non-invasive bone strength analysis in combination with muscle strength offer new perspectives for the evaluation of the functional muscle-bone unit.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

Repeated grip strength at one month interval and detection of voluntary submaximal effort.

This study was set up to test our hypothesis that using the Jamar dynamometer a voluntary submaximal effort has a greater variability compared to a real maximal effort, especially when there is a long interval between different measurements. We tested 32 volunteers without a history of upper limb injury or operation in our hospital, with an interval of four to five weeks between tests. Each volunteer was asked to grip first right-handed then left-handed, first with a real maximal effort and then with a submaximal effort. This test was performed twice during the same session. The same individuals were seen again one month later and were studied using the same protocol. Sensitivities and specificities for the grip test were calculated using six different criteria to indicate a submaximal effort. Repeated grip testing with a time interval of one month cannot reliably detect voluntary submaximal effort in healthy volunteers.

Female↗

PubMed2005

Acute effects of cold and muscle vibration on maximal grip strength and muscle endurance in normal subjects.

The objective of this study was to compare the acute effects of 10 minutes cold application and 50Hz, 90 seconds vibration of forearm muscles on maximum grip strength and muscle endurance in apparently healthy young adults. This within-subject factorial research study recruited eighty-nine subjects (49 males and 40 males) using a sample of convenience. Baseline maximum grip strength and endurance index were measured using a Jamar dynamometer. Cold and muscle vibration were applied within 48 hours interval to the forearm muscles of the subjects. Their grip strength and endurance index were measured; immediately, 5, and 10 minutes post-application of either stimuli. Data were analysed using independent t-test and one-way analysis of variance at 0.05 alpha. Results showed that neither vibration (P>0.05) nor cold (P>0.05) produced any significant effect on the maximum grip strength and the grip endurance at 5 and 10 minutes post application. The subjects however recorded significantly higher endurance index immediately post cold than they did immediately post vibration (P<0.05). We concluded that grip endurance was enhanced more by cold application than by muscle vibration. Cold rather than vibration may therefore be used to facilitate grip endurance during hand rehabilitation.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed2004

Grip strength in the frail elderly.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship of impairment types to grip strength in the live-at-home frail elderly. DESIGN: All data in this cross-sectional study were collected in face-to-face interviews in subjects' homes by a nurse or occupational therapist. A total of 832 elders with activity limitations, as determined by the FIM instrument, participated in the study. Subjects were divided into three age groups (60-69, 70-79, and 80+ yrs) and four impairment groups: (1) minimally impaired, (2) visually impaired, (3) motor impaired, and (4) cognitively impaired. The outcome measures included the average (in kilograms) of three grip-strength trials per hand measured with the Jamar dynamometer at the second handle setting. RESULTS: There were significant differences in grip strength scores among all age groups, indicating that grip strength decreased with age. Among impairment groups, the minimally impaired and visually impaired groups had significantly greater grip strength scores than the motor-impaired and the cognitively impaired groups. There were no significant differences between the minimally impaired and visually impaired groups or between the motor-impaired and the cognitively impaired groups. CONCLUSIONS: Age and sex are not the only determining factors of grip strength in the frail elderly. The type of impairment affects grip strength as well. Thus, age-based norms may not be the only basis for interpreting evaluation data and establishing treatment goals with this population.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1994

Proximal row carpectomy in advanced Kienböck's disease.

Sixteen patients with advanced Kienböck's disease (Lichtman stage IIIa and IIIb) were treated with proximal row carpectomy. Two patients were lost to follow-up study. The remaining 14 patients were followed for 3 years (range, 1 to 8 years) and all experienced less pain. Wrist motion was improved or unchanged in 12. Grip strength averaged 72% of the unaffected side. All patients returned to their previous jobs. Proximal row carpectomy in this group of patients provided satisfactory results.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Effect of wrist position on power grip and key pinch strength following carpal tunnel decompression.

Power grip and thumb key pinch strength were measured pre- and immediately postoperatively in 30 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome while the wrist was in flexion and extension. The carpal tunnel decompression was performed under local infiltration with 1% lignocaine. Grip strength decreased more in wrist flexion than in wrist extension. No difference was found in thumb pinch strength. The authors conclude that some of the immediate postoperative loss of grip strength in wrist flexion can be attributed to prolapse of flexor tendons out of the carpal tunnel in this position.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

PubMed2006

Active hyperemia and vascular conductance differ between men and women for an isometric fatiguing contraction.

To understand the role of muscle perfusion in the sex differences of muscle fatigue, we compared the time to task failure, postcontraction (active) hyperemia, and vascular conductance for an isometric fatiguing contraction performed by young men and women with the handgrip muscles at 20% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) force. In study 1, the men (n = 16) were stronger than the women (n = 18), and study 2, the men (n = 7) and women (n = 7) were matched for strength. Isometric contractions were sustained during two sessions: 1) until the target force could no longer be achieved or 2) for 4 min. For both studies, blood flow and vascular conductance were similar for the men and women at rest and after 10 min of occlusion, and at task failure for the fatiguing contraction estimated using forearm venous occlusion plethysmography. In study 1, the time to task failure was longer for the women (11.4 +/- 2.8 min) than for the men (8.4 +/- 2.4 min; P = 0.003). However, at the end of the 4-min contraction, active hyperemia and vascular conductance were greater for the men than the women (99 vs. 70% peak blood flow; P < 0.001). In study 2, the men and women had similar strength and a similar time to failure (8.4 +/- 1.6 vs. 8.6 +/- 2.3 min). Active hyperemia was greater for the men than the women (86 vs. 64% peak flow; P = 0.038) after the 4-min contraction, as was vascular conductance (80 vs. 57% peak conductance; P = 0.02). Thus the briefer time to failure of men than women for an isometric fatiguing contraction is a function of the greater strength of men but is not dependent on differences in the active hyperemia and vascular conductance.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Administration of growth hormone to underweight patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A prospective, randomized, controlled study.

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often develop weight loss, which is associated with increased mortality. Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) treatment has been proposed to improve nitrogen balance and to increase muscle strength in these patients. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of rhGH administration on the nutritional status, resting metabolism, muscle strength, exercise tolerance, dyspnea, and subjective well-being of underweight patients with stable COPD. Sixteen patients attending a pulmonary rehabilitation program (age: 66 +/- 9 yr; weight: 77 +/- 7% of ideal body weight; FEV1: 39 +/- 13% of predicted) were randomly treated daily with either 0.15 IU/kg rhGH or placebo during 3 wk in a double-blind fashion. Measurements were made at the beginning (DO) and at the end (D21) of treatment and 2 mo later (D81). Body weight was similar in the two groups during the study, but lean body mass was significantly higher in the rhGH group at D21 (p < 0.01) and D81 (p < 0.05). The increase in lean body mass was 2.3 +/- 1.6 kg in the rhGH group and 1.1 +/- 0.9 kg in the control group at D21 and 1.9 +/- 1.6 kg in the rhGH group and 0.7 +/- 2.1 kg in the control group at D81. At D21, the resting energy expenditure was increased in the rhGH group (107.8% of DO, p < 0.001 compared with the control group). At D21 and D81, the changes in maximal respiratory pressures, handgrip strength, maximal exercise capacity, and subjective well-being were similar in the two groups. At D21, the 6-min walking distance decreased in the rhGH group (-13 +/- 31%) and increased in the control group (+10 +/- 14%; p < 0.01). We conclude that the daily administration of 0.15 IU/kg rhGH during 3 wk increases lean body mass but does not improve muscle strength or exercise tolerance in underweight patients with COPD.

Aged↗

PubMed2005

Effects of age, grip strength and smoking on forearm volumetric bone mineral density and bone geometry by peripheral quantitative computed tomography: comparisons between female and male.

Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) is useful to measure volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) distinguishing trabecular from cortical bones as well as quantity of bone geometry. In the present study, we examined the effects of age, grip strength and smoking on vBMD, bone geometry and bone strength index (polar strength strain index (SSIp)), and then compared with the differences between female and male by employing pQCT in Japanese 252 female and 230 male subjects. Age was negatively correlated with vBMD, cortical area (Ct.Ar) and cortical thickness (Ct.Th) as well as SSIp in both sexes, and the correlation coefficients were higher in female, compared with those in male. Although age was correlated with endocortical circumferences (En.Le) in both sexes, periosteal circumferences (Ex.Le) were correlated with age only in male. Volumetric BMD, Ct.Ar, Ct.Th and SSIp were significantly lower in the group with vertebral fractures, although En.Le and Ex.Le were similar between subjects with and without vertebral fractures. Grip strength was positively correlated with vBMD, Ct.Ar, Ct.Th as well as SSIp. The extent of correlation was much higher in female, compared with that in male. Ct.vBMD, Ct.Ar, Ct.Th and SSIp, but not trabecular vBMD, were significantly lower in the group with high Brinkman index (number of cigarettes smoked per day) x (duration of smoking (years)) in female. These parameters were not significantly different between groups with high and low Brinkman index in male. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that age, grip strength and smoking affected forearm vBMD, bone geometry and bone strength index by pQCT. These effects were greater in female, compared with those in male.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

PubMed1996

[Late results of surgical treatment of capsular ligament injury of the thumb metacarpophalageal joint].

48 patients with 49 lesions of the ligamentous apparatus of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint were followed-up on average 32.4 months after operative treatment. Using our own scoring and grading, we evaluated the operative results by subjective and objective criteria. In 47 (95.9%) of the operated first metacarpophalangeal joints we found "very good" and "good" results. Only one (2.0%) patient showed either a "fair" or "poor" result. The statistic analysis of the examined parameters range of motion, strength of grip, and stability did not show significant differences to the uninjured side. We recommend the use of Lengemann suture.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1993

Quantitative grip strength assessment as a means of evaluating muscle relaxation in mice.

The effects of various centrally acting drugs and some peripherally acting agents on the forelimb grip strength of CD-1 mice were explored. Forelimb grip strength was assessed by use of a strain gauge to measure the lateral pull force, in grams, exerted by mice as an index of muscle relaxation. The muscle relaxants, diazepam, midazolam, baclofen, methocarbamol, dantrolene sodium and the neuromuscular blocking agents, succinylcholine and pancuronium bromide, dose-dependently reduced forelimb grip strength. 2-Amino-7-phosphonoheptanoic acid (AP7), which has also been shown to have muscle relaxant effects, also reduced grip strength. Pentobarbital, ethanol, phencyclidine, ketamine and chlorpromazine reduced grip strength at doses which produced behavioral impairments. Lithium chloride, a toxic compound used to induce taste aversions, and clonidine, at doses which affect blood pressure, body temperature and locomotor activity, did not affect grip strength. In addition, stimulant doses of amphetamine and caffeine, but not of morphine, increased grip strength in a dose-dependent manner. These results extend previous findings and suggest that this forelimb grip strength procedure may be a useful screening test for the identification of the potential muscle relaxant properties of drugs.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Physical-strength tests and mortality among visitors to health-promotion centers in Japan.

A follow-up study was conducted to clarify the relationship between physical-strength level and risk of death from all causes and from cancer and cardiovascular disease. The 7286 persons who were examined at seven health-promotion centers throughout Japan between 1982 and 1987 were followed up. By January 1992, 6259 persons (85.9%) had been contacted by questionnaire. They included 3117 men (49.8% of all subjects studied) (average age 53.6 years at baseline, SD = 9.0 years, range 40-84 years), and 3142 women (50.2%) (average age 54.5 years at baseline, SD = 8.5 years, range 40-85 years). The follow-up period for each person averaged 6.1 years, for a total of 38,253 person-years. During this period, 155 deaths were reported. At baseline, five physical-strength tests (grip strength, side step, vertical jump, standing trunk flexion, and sit-ups) were performed. Five clinical laboratory tests (thickness of skinfold, blood sugar, total serum cholesterol, percent vital lung capacity, and blood pressure) were also conducted. The examinees were questioned about smoking status (current smoker, nonsmoker, and ex-smoker). Men with thicker skinfold [relative risk (RR) = 2.11] and higher levels of blood sugar (RR = 1.89) had an excess risk of death from all causes. Men with higher serum cholesterol (RR = 5.08), thicker skinfold (RR = 4.54), and elevated blood pressure (RR = 2.33) had an excess risk of death from cardiovascular disease. In women, no relationship was seen between clinical laboratory tests and an excess risk of death. Men exhibiting lower values for side step (RR = 2.43), vertical jump (RR = 2.37), sit-ups (RR = 1.93) and grip strength (RR = 1.92) also had an excess risk of death from all causes. Furthermore, men with lower heights for vertical jump (RR = 5.51) had an excess risk of death from cardiovascular disease. After adjustment for skinfold thickness, blood sugar, total serum cholesterol, blood pressure, percent vital lung capacity and smoking status, men with a lower level of side step, vertical jump, and grip strength had an excess risk of death from all causes. No such relationship was seen between physical-strength level and an excess risk of death in women. It is concluded that a low level of physical strength might be significantly correlated with subsequent health outcomes in men.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Long-term results of carpal tunnel release.

To determine the long-term results of carpal tunnel release, we retrospectively reviewed 60 cases, an average of 5.5 years after surgery. 87% reported a good or excellent overall outcome; the average time to maximum improvement of symptoms was 9.8 months. However, 30% reported poor to fair strength and long-term scar discomfort, and 57% noted a return of some pre-operative symptoms, most commonly pain, beginning an average of 2 years after surgery. We found no correlation between pre-operative symptoms or extent of surgical dissection (internal neurolysis) and outcome. Carpal tunnel syndrome was job related in 42%; of these, 26% changed from heavy to lighter work following surgery. Although occupational cases were slower to improve and remained off work longer, the long-term subjective results were the same for both groups. We found significant morbidity from the surgical scar and decreased strength, and often considerable delay until ultimate improvement, especially in patients with job-related carpal tunnel syndrome.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

Balance and mobility performance as treatable risk factors for recurrent falling in older persons.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine whether easily measurable measures for balance and muscle strength predicted recurrent falling as well as sophisticated measurements, and to examine which of the modifiable risk factors were strongest associated with recurrent falling. METHODS: The study was performed in a subsample (n=439, aged 69-92 years) of the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA). Balance, muscle strength, physical activity, and performance tests were assessed. Falls were recorded during 1 year. The outcome measure was recurrent falls (>/=2 falls within 1 year). RESULTS: The area under the curve (AUC) of mediolateral sway (AUC=0.67; 95% CI:0.57-0.77), tandem stand (AUC=0.61; 95% CI:0.49-0.73), leg extension strength (AUC=0.58; 95% CI:0.51-0.64), and handgrip strength (AUC=0.57; 95% CI:0.51-0.64) for recurrent falling were not significantly different. In a multivariate model, mediolateral sway (OR=2.8; 95% CI:1.1-6.9), tandem stand (OR=2.1; 95% CI:1.1-3.8), and walking test (OR=2.2; 95% CI:1.1-4.1) were significantly associated with recurrent falling. CONCLUSIONS: The easily measurable tandem stand and handgrip strength predicted recurrent falling as well as the sophisticated measures. Mediolateral sway was strongest associated with recurrent falling.

Accidental Falls↗

PubMed2002

Resistance training improves strength and functional measures in patients with end-stage renal disease.

BACKGROUND: The current study was designed to examine the effect of 12 weeks of resistance training on strength and functional ability in 10 medically stable hemodialysis patients (age, 42.8 +/- 4.4 years). METHODS: Subjects were tested on four separate occasions, each separated by 6 weeks. The first (T1) and second tests (T2) were controls with no exercise intervention between them. T3 followed 6 weeks of resistance training, and T4 occurred after 12 weeks of training. Variables tested included percentage of body fat, distance covered in the 6-minute walk test, peak torque of quadriceps muscles of the dominant leg, maximal handgrip strength, normal and maximal walking speeds, and time to complete 10 repetitions of the sit-to-stand-to-sit test. Data were analyzed by means of a one-way repeated-measures analysis of variance procedure. RESULTS: Results indicate that after 12 weeks of training, there was a significant (P < 0.05) increase (12.7%) in peak torque at 90 degrees /s (139.1 +/- 19.3 nm) compared with T1 and T2 (mean, 124.1 +/- 18.7 [SEM]; 123.5 +/- 16.9 Nm), respectively. The distance covered during the 6-minute walk was increased ( approximately 5%; P < 0.05) compared with baseline (T1, 522.1 +/- 46.2 m; 521.9 +/- 48.5 m) after 6 weeks of training (548.3 +/- 52.1 m) and remained elevated at week 12 (546.5 +/- 54.2 m). Maximal walking speed was increased (P < 0.05) by week 12 (195.9 +/- 15.4 cm/s) compared with baseline (T1, 182.9 +/- 12.7; 185.5 +/- 13.0 cm/s). Time to complete 10 repetitions of the sit-to-stand-to-sit test decreased at 12 weeks (17.8 +/- 1.9 seconds) versus baseline (T1, 20.3 +/- 1.5 seconds; T2, 20.6 +/- 5.5 seconds). CONCLUSION: Resistance training can be used safely to increase strength and functional capacity in stable hemodialysis patients.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

The biomechanical effects of angulated boxer's fractures.

Many clinical studies have demonstrated that in the conservative care of boxer's fractures (casting, with or without reduction), between 20 degrees and 70 degrees of dorsal angulation is acceptable. This biomechanical study characterized how boxer's fracture angulation affects the ability of the intrinsic muscles to initiate grip. The flexor digiti minimi and third volar interosseous were modeled in this study. Muscular excursion of the intrinsics were modeled with a cable and sheath device. Metacarpophalangeal joint flexion per unit excursion curves were collected when the metacarpal neck was at a fracture angle of 0 degree, 15 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, and 75 degrees . As fracture angles increased, the distance between the origin and insertion of the flexor digiti minimi decreased, creating shortening, or slack, of the modeled muscle. Slack was defined as excursion generating no joint flexion. Muscle shortening data were integrated with Jacobsen's muscle fiber length data and Elftmann's fiber length/tension relationship to estimate how the fracture angle affects the initiation of metacarpophalangeal joint flexion and the strength of grip. According to this model's data, fracture angles of up to 30 degrees are compatible with nearly normal mechanics. A 30 degrees angulation is associated with a flexor digiti minimi grip strength of 92% maximum and preserves 78% of the intact finger's range of motion. We therefore conclude that 30 degrees is the upper limit for acceptable final angulation.

Cadaver↗

PubMed2001

The initial effects of an elbow mobilization with movement technique on grip strength in subjects with lateral epicondylalgia.

This preliminary study indicates the proportion of patients with lateral epicondylalgia that demonstrate a favourable initial response to a manual therapy technique - the mobilization with movement (MWM) for tennis elbow. Twenty-five subjects with lateral epicondylalgia participated. In a one-group pretest - post-test design, we measured (1) pain with active motion, (2) pain-free grip strength and, (3) maximum grip strength before and after a single intervention of MWM. Results of the study indicate that MWM was effective in allowing 92% of subjects to perform previously painful movements pain-free, and improving grip strength immediately afterwards. Significant differences were found between the grip strength of the affected and unaffected limbs prior to the intervention. Both pain-free grip strength and maximum grip strength of the affected limb increased significantly following the intervention. Pain-free grip strength increased by a greater magnitude than maximum grip strength. It can be concluded that MWM is a promising intervention modality for the treatment of patients with Lateral Epicondylalgia. Pain-free grip strength is a more responsive measure of outcome than maximum grip strength for patients with Lateral Epicondylalgia. Further research is warranted to investigate the long-term effectiveness of MWM in the treatment of impairment and disability resulting from Lateral Epicondylalgia.

Adult↗