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Results for “Hand Strength”

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At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

PubMed2004

A crossover trial of custom-made and commercially available wrist splints in adults with inflammatory arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of 3 wrist splints (2 prefabricated commercial splints and 1 custom made) on perceived wrist pain, hand function, and perceived upper extremity function in adults with inflammatory arthritis. METHODS: Subjects (n = 45, mean age 49 years, mean disease duration 8.6 years) were randomly assigned to treatment order in a 3-phase crossover trial. Splints were worn for 4 weeks, separated by 1-week washouts. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, after each splint phase and washout period, and at 6 months' followup using a pain visual analog scale (VAS), the Arthritis Hand Function Test, and McMaster-Toronto Arthritis Patient Function Preference questionnaire. Data were analyzed with multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVAs), t-tests, and chi-square tests. RESULTS: There did not appear to be order or carryover effects. MANOVA indicated that wrist splints significantly reduced pain (P = 0.007). The custom leather splint was most effective in reducing pain, from 4.1 cm to 2.8 cm on the VAS (P = 0.001). All splints improved hand strength, and the commercial Rolyan splint provided significantly stronger grip than the Anatech commercial splint (P = 0.04). In contrast to previous studies, splints did not compromise dexterity. There were several significant differences among splints, depending on the outcome measure. Improvements were maintained at 6 months. CONCLUSION: After 4 weeks' use, wrist splints reduce pain, improve strength, and do not compromise dexterity. Similar improvements were achieved with the custom leather splint and Rolyan commercial splint, which were superior to the Anatech commercial splint.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

[Functional outcome and quality of life after ray amputation versus amputation through the proximal phalanx of the index finger].

Little data is available about the long-term functional outcome and quality of life after ray amputation or amputation at the level of the proximal phalanx of the index finger. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional outcome and postoperative quality of life after ray amputation or amputation through the proximal phalanx to create a database which is helpful in the decision whether to amputate a digital ray or to preserve a stump.58 patients with amputation of the second ray and 12 patients with amputation through the proximal phalanx of the index finger between 1987 and 1996 were included in the study and examined with respect to hand strength, sensibility, range of motion, pain, and aesthetic result of the hand. Subjective functional outcome was evaluated using the DASH-questionnaire. The majority of patients were male (78 % with ray amputation/83 % with amputation through the proximal phalanx). In 55 %/58 % the operation was performed on the dominant hand. Average age was 45 years and average follow-up was 44.2 months after ray resection and 22.1 months after amputation through the proximal phalanx. Patients lost an average of 10.7 weeks of work after ray amputation and 8.1 weeks after digital amputation. There was no significant loss of grip strength after ray amputation (29 % to 34 % loss of grip strength, 32 % loss of pinch grip) compared with patients after amputation through the proximal phalanx (21 % to 28 % loss of grip strength, 17 % to 35 % loss of pinch grip). DASH-score was 31.3 after ray amputation and 21.7 after digital amputation. Patients with amputation through the proximal phalanx reached a significantly better result in part B of the DASH-questionnaire. 65.5 % of the patients after ray amputation and 91.7 % after digital amputation complained of postoperative pain in the operated hand. Decreased sensibility was found in 55.2 % after ray resection and in 33.3 % after digital amputation. All patients after amputation through the proximal phalanx but only 82.8 % after ray amputation showed a free range of motion of the operated hand. The aesthetic appearance of the operated hand was rated higher after ray amputation. The results show that there is no significant loss of strength after ray amputation compared to amputation through the proximal phalanx as mentioned in the literature. Patients with amputation through the proximal phalanx demonstrate a better functional outcome, while the aesthetic appearance was rated higher after ray amputation. A significant difference was only found in part B of the DASH-questionnaire. This should be considered when the indication for ray amputation is pending.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Effect of pressure garment work gloves on hand function in patients with hand burns: a pilot study.

This study aims to compare the effects of pressure garment work gloves (PGWGs) and standard-pressure garment gloves (SPGGs) on functional hand use in individuals with hand burns. A quasi-experimental, repeated-measure design was used. Each glove was worn for one week prior to testing. Grip strength, hand function, functional sensation, and functional task scores were assessed. Participants were asked to report which glove they preferred and why. Two individuals with three burned hands underwent this study. Grip and pinch strengths and functional sensation were decreased overall with the PGWG. However, better performance was noted with functional tasks involving gross and static fine-motor movements, and simple, dynamic fine-motor movements. These findings were found to be significant using a Cochran's test for related observations. Moreover, there was unanimous participant preference for the PGWG. In conclusion, use of PGWGs facilitated select functional performance, warranting further investigation.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1998

Outcome of ulnar neurolysis during post-traumatic reconstruction of the elbow.

We performed ulnar nerve neurolysis and transposition during reconstructive operations on 20 consecutive patients (21 elbows) with neuropathy after the failure of primary treatment of elbow fractures. There were 11 men and nine women with a mean age of 48.3 years. Preoperatively, four elbows were in McGowan stage I, seven in stage II and ten in stage III and the mean Gabel and Amadio ulnar nerve score was 3.2. At a mean follow-up of 32.1 months (24 to 67) we performed comprehensive neurological, functional, electrophysiological and outcome assessments. Patient satisfaction was high with good pain relief and restoration of hand strength and dexterity. The mean Gabel and Amadio score had improved to 6.5, an improvement of 3.3. There were one excellent, 16 good, 2 fair and 2 poor results; both of the last were due to failure of the underlying elbow reconstruction. Even for advanced stage-II and stage-III lesions we achieved good function, return of intrinsic power, and a high rate of patient satisfaction.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Prospective functional analysis of trapeziectomy combined with intermetacarpal tendon stabilisation in trapeziometacarpal arthritis.

We conducted a prospective study to evaluate the functional status of patients surgically treated by trapeziectomy with intermetacarpal tendon stabilisation. Pain relief, the height of the trapezial cavity, hand impairment, and manual ability were measured in a group of 18 patients at a mean of 2.3 years after surgery. Complete relief of pain was achieved in 89% of our patients. The height of the trapezial cavity was significantly reduced. Hand strength and digital dexterity were not impaired after the operation. Manual ability was significantly improved by the trapeziectomy as demonstrated by the median VAS values of 53.5 before and 95.5 after surgery. The ABILHAND questionnaire revealed that most of the patients were satisfied with the functional results of the trapeziectomy. Based on our findings in this prospective study, it appears that trapeziectomy with intermetacarpal tendon stabilisation relieved pain in almost 90% of patients suffering from trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis, at no functional cost.

Arthroplasty↗

PubMed2005

[An experimental study of effects of active-heating-system for extravehicular spacesuit gloves on working performance].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of active heating system for spacesuit gloves on extravehicular working performance. METHOD: After analyzing the factors with gloves influence on the working performance, the effects of active heating system for gloves were studied experimentally with aspects to fatigue, hand strength, dexterity and tactile sensing. RESULT: 1) Heating-system had not influence to grip; 2) Heating-system had 17% influence to fatigue except specific person; 3) Nut assembly and nipping pin showed that heating-system had little influence to dexterity; 4) Apperceiving shape of object and two-point distance showed heating-system had little influence to tactility. CONCLUSION: The active heating method is rational and has little influence on working performance.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

PubMed2003

Filling 'gaps' in strength data for design.

Data on the physical strength capabilities of users are fundamental to the safe and usable design of products. It is recognised, however, that there are many 'gaps' in the ergonomics data available to designers. Whilst considerable research on human capabilities and limitations has already been carried out, few data exist which are directly applicable in the design process. This paper describes a two-stage research project which was undertaken to try to address some of these data 'gaps'. Potential needs for design-relevant data were identified in Stage 1 of the research and in Stage 2 new data were collected to meet some of those needs. Data were collected on children through to the older adult on a series of six strength measurements, all of which were intended to be directly applicable to design: (1) finger push strength, (2) pinch-pull strength, (3) hand grip strength, (4) wrist-twisting strength, (5) opening strength, and (6) push and pull strength. The methodology, findings and data from this research are presented and discussed.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

Health maintenance for the independent frail older adult: can it improve physical and mental well-being?

This descriptive study measured outcomes of a health maintenance programme (HMP) of regular exercise, health teaching and group participation on physical and mental well-being in a convenience sample of frail older adults living independently. Hand strength, range of motion (flexibility) and blood pressure were used as indicators of physical well-being. Self-esteem and life satisfaction were used as indicators of mental health. A pre-test/post-test design was used taking all measurements before starting the programme and after a 6-month interval of participation. Paired t-tests of mean change scores, with each participant acting as his or her own control, showed statistical improvement in systolic blood pressure and range of motion in right ankle and in self-esteem and life satisfaction using visual analogue scales. Clinical improvement was demonstrated in all measurements and by participant evaluation of the programme.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Strength measurements of the intrinsic hand muscles: a review of the development and evaluation of the Rotterdam intrinsic hand myometer.

Numerous neurological diseases are accompanied by atrophy of the intrinsic muscles of the hand. Muscle strength testing of these muscles is frequently used for clinical decision making. Traditionally, these strength measurements have focused on manual muscle testing (MMT) or on grip and pinch strength dynamometry. We have developed a hand-held dynamometer, the Rotterdam Intrinsic Hand Myometer (RIHM), to measure this intrinsic muscle strength. The RIHM was designed such that it can measure a wide range of muscle groups, such as the abduction and adduction strength of the little finger and index finger, the opposition, palmar abduction (anteposition) and opposition strength of the thumb, and intrinsic muscles of the fingers combined in the intrinsic plus position. We found that the reliability of RIHM measurements in nerve injury patients was comparable to grip and pinch strength measurements and is appropriate to study the functional recovery of the intrinsic muscles of the hand in isolation. We have applied the RIHM in a recent study on the long-term outcome of muscle strength in patients with ulnar and median nerve injuries and found that while recovery of grip and pinch strength was relatively good, recovery of the ulnar nerve innervated muscles measured with the RIHM was poor. This poor recovery could not be detected with manual muscle strength testing or with grip and pinch dynamometry. We conclude that the RIHM provides an accurate clinical assessment of the muscle strength of the intrinsic hand muscles that adds valuable information to MMT and grip and pinch dynamometry.

Equipment Design↗

PubMed2004

Test-retest reliability of hand-held dynamometric strength testing in young people with cerebral palsy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the test-retest reliability of measuring lower-limb strength with a hand-held dynamometer in young people with cerebral palsy (CP). DESIGN: One rater measured the isometric strength of the lower limbs in 10 participants with CP on 2 occasions separated by 6 weeks. SETTING: University movement rehabilitation laboratory in Australia. PARTICIPANTS: Ten young people (mean age +/- standard deviation, 13.5+/-3.4 y) with spastic diplegic CP. Eight of the participants walked independently and 2 walked with assistive devices. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Retest reliability of lower-limb strength, expressed in the units of measurement for the interpretation of group mean and individual scores and as intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC(2,1)). RESULTS: For groups, mean lower-limb strength increases of 7 kg (30%) could be interpreted as real change using 95% confidence intervals (CIs). For individuals, for strength gains to be interpreted as real change using 95% CIs, strength increases would need to be greater than 16.8 kg (70%) for the measurement of knee extension and to be greater than 4.3 kg (25%) for ankle plantarflexion. Measurement of hip extension strength was not reliable for group mean or individual scores. All reliability coefficients were greater than.80. CONCLUSION: A hand-held dynamometer can reliably measure changes in lower-limb strength for groups of young people with CP. It is uncertain whether this method is useful for evaluating change in individuals. Relying only on a coefficient of reliability to decide the usefulness of a measurement can be misleading.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Relationship of global assessment of change to AUSCAN and pinch and grip strength among individuals with hand osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the utility and construct validity of a new patient global assessment of symptom change for hand osteoarthritis (OA) by examining its associations with change over time in grip strength, pinch strength, and AUStralian CANadian Osteoarthritis Hand Index (AUSCAN). METHODS: Participants (N=531, 80% female, mean age=68) were part of a study on the Genetics of Generalized Osteoarthritis (GOGO) and completed two assessments (average 4 years apart). At the second assessment, participants described change in their right and left hand pain, aching, and stiffness on a 15-point scale with descriptors ranging from "Great deal worse" to "Great deal better". Linear regression models examined associations of global change scores with changes in hand strength and AUSCAN, controlling for age, gender, number of hand joints with OA, and time between assessments. RESULTS: Both right and left hand global assessment of change scores were significantly associated with change in AUSCAN, grip strength, and right hand pinch strength (P<0.05), and approached significance for left hand pinch strength (P=0.06). The strongest associations were between global change scores and AUSCAN change (right hand: beta=0.29, P<0.001; left hand: beta=0.27, P<0.001). Associations of change scores with grip and pinch strength were stronger among participants with greater radiographic OA severity at baseline. CONCLUSION: Results support the validity of this new global assessment of symptom change. This measure is particularly useful for assessing change over time when no baseline data are available. Additional research should examine this measure's responsiveness in the context of clinical trials.

Aged↗

PubMed1988

Handgrip strength after the Blalock-Taussig shunt: 14 to 34 year follow-up.

To determine the long-term functional impact of the Blalock-Taussig (BT) shunt, we studied handgrip strength in 56 patients (10-28 years) following total repair of tetralogy of Fallot. Of the 56, 16 (29%) had a previous right BT shunt, 5 of 56 (9%) had a previous left BT shunt, and the remaining 35 patients either had a Potts shunt or primary total repair. The mean age at the time of right BT was 2.8 +/- 1.6 (SD) years, left BT 1.7 +/- 1.2 years, and total repair for all patients was 7.1 +/- 2.2 years. Mean age at the time of study was 26 +/- 9 years. Right-and left-handgrip strength were measured with a Jamar dynamometer, averaging the results of grip position 2, 3, and 4 to accommodate variation in hand size. Since absolute values of hand strength were strongly associated with sex (p = 0.006) and body surface area (p = 0.016), we calculated the ratio of right-hand to left-handgrip strength (RL ratio). The RL ratios were: 0.98 +/- 0.13 (right BT), 1.21 +/- 0.11 (left BT), and 1.13 +/- 0.16 (no BT): (p = 0.004 right BT vs. no BT, p = 0.07 left BT vs. no BT, Wilcoxon rank sum test). Thus, although frequently clinically inapparent, handgrip strength tested many years post-BT shunt is reduced on the side of the shunt.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

The impact of ulnar nerve compression at the elbow on the hand function of heavy manual workers.

The objectives of this article were to study the impact of the hand function disability due to ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE) on workers engaged in occupations requiring heavy hand use. Four patients (42.5 +/- 7 years old), all engaged in heavy-duty jobs, with severe conduction block but without severe axonal loss were recruited. The severity of ulnar nerve compression was quantified based on electrophysiologic studies, Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test, Jamar dynamometer, and Semmes-Weinstein Monofilaments Test. UNE resulted in a reduction in hand strength without any significant impact on fine motor dexterity. The 4 laborers whose work required strong hand grip found this debilitating. Severe UNE affects the hand function of heavy manual workers by impeding their grip and pinch strengths. However, UNE does not affect tasks requiring fine hand dexterity.

Adult↗

PubMed2007

A new abductor pollicis longus suspension arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: Surgical treatment of osteoarthritis of the first carpometacarpal joint aims to achieve complete pain relief with restoration of thumb strength and stability. The aim of this study was to introduce a variation of the abductor pollicis longus (APL) sling arthroplasty and to determine its efficacy in comparison with other tendon sling arthroplasty procedures. METHODS: Between January 1999 and December 2003, 104 trapeziectomies in 74 consecutive patients (30 bilateral cases) were performed using a new APL sling arthroplasty. Patients were evaluated at 6 and 12 months after surgery. The outcomes were analyzed subjectively by questionnaire and objectively by clinical and radiographic evaluation. RESULTS: After 6 months, excellent results in terms of pain relief were achieved in 95 thumbs (91%) of 65 patients. The remaining 9 thumbs had ongoing pain and had a secondary surgery performed between 6 and 12 months after the initial surgery. Pain relief was achieved in 1 thumb by scaphotrapezoid arthrodesis and in the other 8 thumbs by excision of the osteophyte on the ulnar-volar surface of the base of the first metacarpal, which was impinging on the base of the second metacarpal or the trapezoid. The gap was filled with a palmaris tendon anchovy. After 12 months, the 65 patients with successful trapeziectomies and APL sling remained pain-free. In these patients tip pinch, key pinch, and power grip strength increased by 46%, 19%, and 41%, respectively, from the preoperative values. In the 35 unilateral cases, tip pinch, key pinch, and power grip strength increased from 53%, 77%, and 65% of the contralateral hand strength before surgery to 82%, 89%, and 90%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This modified APL sling arthroplasty is a new and effective way of creating a suspension sling with the APL tendon after trapeziectomy, with results comparable or better than other published methods, for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the first carpometacarpal joint. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, Level IV.

Adult↗

PubMed1980

Increasing hand efficiency at cold temperatures by training hand vasodilation with a classical conditioning-biofeedback overlap design.

The prolonged exposure of hands to cold environments leads to substantial cold pain and severe deterioration of manual dexterity, finger dexterity, hand strength, and tactile sensitivity. This study taught volunteers to warm their hands at -14 degrees Celsius and measured the hand efficiency effects. The subjects were six male and female nonsmoking volunteers. All research was conducted in a cold chamber during the warm summer months to eliminate seasonal factors. A combined multiple-baseline/ABA single-subject design with multiple replications was used. Each subject's hand performance was obtained for both hands in warm and in cold conditions. One hand was trained and both hands were retested in the cold. The second hand was trained and both hands were retested in the cold. Finally, the subject inhibited warming while in the cold (treatment removal) and both hands were tested again. The treatment itself used biofeedback instrumentation to extend and enlarge previously classically conditioned vasodilative episodes. The procedure was found to be effective for bringing about temperature changes in the cold. Large treatment effects were found on all hand efficiency measures. The results suggest wide implications for the workplace, for theory, and for future research.

Acclimatization↗

PubMed1986

High thoracic disc herniation.

A case of T-1, T-2 disc herniation is reported. The patient presented with diminished hand strength, medial arm and shoulder pain, and medial arm, forearm, and hand paresthesias. After surgical decompression and removal of a disc fragment, the patient made a complete recovery. Routine cervical myelography was considered inadequate in view of this patient's symptoms. High thoracic myelography followed by computed tomographic scanning should be considered for patients with this presentation. Improved diagnosis with myelography and computed tomography is discussed.

Humans↗

PubMed2006

High and low volume resistance training and vascular function.

The aim was to examine the influence of high and low volume whole-body circuit weight training on forearm reactive hyperemic blood flow, venous capacitance and outflow in young individuals. Thirty-five individuals (age: 22 +/- 1.89 years) participated in an 8 station circuit performed 3 days/week for 5 weeks. The high volume group (n = 15) was encouraged to complete 3 sets/station, whereas the low volume group (n = 20) performed 1 set/station. Before and after training, muscle strength (hand grip, knee extension and bench press) and vascular function (reactive hyperemia, venous capacitance and outflow) were measured. Before training, there were no significant group differences. Training resulted in significant but similar strength gains in both groups (hand grip: 3.89 +/- 4.57 kg (+ 15.59 %), knee extension: 30.62+/- 12.52 kg (+ 35.31 %), bench press: 12.4 +/- 8.81 kg (+ 21.03 %); p < 0.05). Group averages for vascular function did not change following the circuit training. However, individuals with the lowest pretraining vascular measures did have significant increases in reactive hyperemic blood flow (17 %, p = 0.006) and venous outflow (18 %, p = 0.013), independent of group assignment. In conclusion, high and low volume circuit weight training results in significant and similar strength gains. Individuals with evidence of lower pretraining vascular function appear to respond favorably to short-term circuit weight training.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Longitudinal hand grip and pinch strength recovery in the child with burns.

Hand strength of seven patients was evaluated prospectively. A range-of-motion exercise program, compression therapy, and splinting schedules were provided. Fine prehension; lateral, tip-to-tip, and tripod pinch were measured by pinch meter. Grip strength was measured by dynamometer. Comparisons were made between test strengths and published norms for age and sex with analysis of variance. Significance was accepted at p < 0.05. At discharge, all four strength measurements were significantly less than normal for age and sex. Grip and tripod strengths were improved by 6 weeks. All measurements were improved at 6 months after discharge, although grip and lateral pinch remained significantly less than norms. In conclusion, the measurements of tip-to-tip and tripod pinch at 6 months may not signify limitations in performance of activities of daily living. In spite of significantly lower than normal grip and lateral strength measurements at 6 months, it cannot be determined whether this hinders performance of daily living skills.

Burns↗