Evaluation of the Association Between Carrying Angle, Hand Grip Strength, Lateral Pinch Strength, and Hand Functional Index in Nursing Students / Evaluación de la Asociación entre el Ángulo de Carga, la Fuerza de Agarre de la Mano, la Fuerza de Pellizco Lateral y el Índice Funcional de la Mano en Estudiantes de Enfermería

SUMMARY: Health professionals especially nurses have ongoing contact with patients and they may have a high incidence of musculoskeletal problems. For this reason, grip strength and carrying angle are important parameters for all health professionals to succeed in their job and avoid injuries. It was aimed to determine the effects of the hand grip, and pinch strength, carrying angle of dominant, and non-dominant hands as well as the association of the hand functional index with morphometric measurements in 193 nursing students. The means of the carrying angle of dominant and non-dominant sides were 169.11±4.21° and 168.16±4.30°, respectively. The means of the dominant and, non-dominant sides of hand grip strength were 45.99±11.24 kg and 45.89±11.34 kg, respectively. The lateral pinch strength means were measured as 19.55±3.75 kg and 19.31±3.45 kg, respectively. This paper's findings may be important for some experts such as anatomists, clinicians, surgeons, forensic scientists, anthropologists, and nurses- healthcare professionals keep in touch with patients. Also, we believe that appropriate and effective knowledge of carrying angle, hand grip and lateral pinch strength has created an opportunity to research in terms of reducing work-related risk factors.

Los profesionales de la salud, especialmente las enfermeras, se mantienen en contacto con los pacientes y pueden tener una alta incidencia de problemas musculo-esqueléticos. En consecuencia, la fuerza de agarre y el ángulo de carga son parámetros importantes para que todos los profesionales de la salud tengan éxito en su trabajo y eviten las lesiones. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar los efectos de la fuerza de prensión y pinzamiento de la mano, el ángulo de carga de las manos dominantes y no dominantes, así como la asociación del índice funcional de la mano con medidas morfométricas en 193 estudiantes de enfermería. Las medias del ángulo de carga de los lados dominante y no dominante fueron 169,11±4,21° y 168,16±4,30°, respectivamente. Las medias de los lados dominante y no dominante de la fuerza de prensión manual fueron 45,99 ± 11,24 kg y 45,89 ± 11,34 kg, respectivamente. La media de la fuerza de pellizco lateral se midió como 19,55 ± 3,75 kg y 19,31 ± 3,45 kg, respectivamente. Los hallazgos de este artículo pueden ser importantes para algunos expertos, como anatomistas, médicos clínicos, cirujanos, científicos forenses, antropólogos y enfermeras y profesionales de la salud que se mantienen en contacto con los pacientes. Además, creemos que el conocimiento apropiado y efectivo del ángulo de carga, el agarre de la mano y la fuerza de pellizco lateral ha creado una oportunidad para investigar en términos de reducción de los factores de riesgo relacionados con el trabajo.

Relationship Between Grip and Pinch Strength and Activities of Daily Living in Stroke Patients

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between grip and pinch strength and independence in activities of daily living (ADL) in stroke patients. METHODS: Medical records of 577 stroke patients from January 2010 to February 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients' grip and pinch strength of both hemiplegic and non-hemiplegic hands and the Korean version of Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI) score were collected. These patients were divided into three groups: group A (onset duration: 3 months and or =2 years). The correlation between grip and pinch strength and the K-MBI score was analyzed. RESULTS: In group A (95 patients), the K-MBI score was significantly (p<0.05) correlated with the grip and pinch strength of both hands in patients with right hemiplegia. Significant (p<0.05) correlation between the K-MBI score and the grip and pinch strength of the hemiplegic hand was shown in patients with left hemiplegia. In group B (69 patients) and group C (73 patients), the K-MBI score was significantly (p<0.05) correlated with the grip and pinch strength of the hemiplegic hand. CONCLUSION: Stroke patients in subacute stage mainly performed activities of daily living using their dominant hand. However, independence in ADL was associated with the strength of the affected dominant hand. For stroke patients in chronic and late chronic stages, their hand power of the affected hand was associated with independence in ADL regardless whether the dominant hand was affected.

Short-Term Strength Deficit Following Zone 1 Replantations

BACKGROUND: Hand strength deficit following digital replantation is usually attributed to the mechanical deficiency of the replanted digit. Zone 1 replantation, however, should not be associated with any mechanical deficit, as the joint and tendon are intact. We evaluate short-term motor functions in patients who have undergone single-digit zone 1 replantation. METHODS: A single-institution retrospective review was performed for all patients who underwent zone 1 replantation. Hand and pinch strengths were evaluated using standard dynamometers. Each set of measurements was pooled according to follow-up periods (within 1 month, 1 to 2 months, 2 to 3 months, and after 3 months). The uninjured hand was used as reference for measurements. RESULTS: The review identified 53 patients who had undergone zone 1 replantation and presented for follow-up visits. Compared to the uninjured hand, dynamometer measurements revealed significantly less strength for the hand with replanted digit at one month. The relative mean grip, pulp, and key pinch strength were 31%, 46%, and 48% of the uninjured hand. These three strength measurements gradually increased, with relative strength measurements of 59%, 70%, and 78% for 4-month follow up. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the lack of joint or tendon injury, strength of the injured hand was significantly lower than that of the uninjured hand during the 4 months following replantation. Improved rehabilitation strategies are needed to diminish the short-term negative impact that an isolated zone 1 replantation has on the overall hand strength.

Normative Measurements of Grip and Pinch Strengths of 21st Century Korean Population

BACKGROUND: Measuring grip and pinch strength is an important part of hand injury evaluation. Currently, there are no standardized values of normal grip and pinch strength among the Korean population, and lack of such data prevents objective evaluation of post-surgical recovery in strength. This study was designed to establish the normal values of grip and pinch strength among the healthy Korean population and to identify any dependent variables affecting grip and pinch strength. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out. The inclusion criterion was being a healthy Korean person without a previous history of hand trauma. The grip strength was measured using a Jamar dynamometer. Pulp and key pinch strength were measured with a hydraulic pinch gauge. Intra-individual and inter-individual variations in these variables were analyzed in a standardized statistical manner. RESULTS: There were a total of 336 healthy participants between 13 and 77 years of age. As would be expected in any given population, the mean grip and pinch strength was greater in the right hand than the left. Male participants (137) showed mean strengths greater than female participants (199) when adjusted for age. Among the male participants, anthropometric variables correlated positively with grip strength, but no such correlations were identifiable in female participants in a statistically significant way. CONCLUSIONS: Objective measurements of hand strength are an important component of hand injury evaluation, and population-specific normative data are essential for clinical and research purposes. This study reports updated normative hand strengths of the South Korean population in the 21st century.

Reliability of the Pinch Strength with Digitalized Pinch Dynamometer

OBJECTIVE: To examine the intra-rater, inter-rater, and inter-instrumental reliability of the digitalized pinch muscle strength dynamometer. METHOD: Thirty normal subjects were examined for pinch strength, using both the Preston pinch gauge and the digitalized pinch dynamometer. The participants performed all pinch strength tests in the seated position as recommended by the American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT). Three successive measurements were taken for each hand. The mean of the three trials was used for data analysis. The pinch strength tests performed used a repeated measure design and measurements were taken by each rater. RESULTS: The relationship between the Preston pinch gauge and the digitalized pinch dynamometer in pinch strength was reliable (the ICC were 0.821 and 0.785 in rater 1 and rater 2 respectively). The relationship between the first session and second session in pinch strength using the digitalized pinch dynamometer was reliable (the ICC were 0.872 and 0.886 in rater A and rater B respectively). The relationship between rater A and rater B in pinch strength using the digitalized pinch dynamometer was reliable (the ICC was 0.754). CONCLUSION: The pinch strength measurement using the digitalized pinch dynamometer is reliable within the rater and between raters. Thus, the Preston pinch gauge and the digitalized dynamometer measure grip strength equivalently, and can be used interchangeably.

Força de preensão palmar e pinças em indivíduos sadios entre 6 e 19 anos / Grip and pinch strength in healthy children and adolescents

OBJETIVO: Determinar e comparar os valores das forças isométricas de preensão palmar e pinças em indivíduos sadios de 6 a 19 anos através da dinamometria, considerando as variáveis sexo, dominância e faixa etária. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 199 indivíduos utilizando os dinamômetro Jamar® para a mensuração da preensão palmar e Preston Pinch Gauge® para as pinças, realizando três mensurações consecutivas,, utilizando a média. A análise estatística foi realizada pela regressão linear com efeitos mistos. RESULTADOS: Os valores em kgf encontrados foram 24,51, 3,64, 5,37 e 6,78, respectivamente para preensão palmar, pinça polpa-a-polpa, trípode e lateral, independente das variáveis. Houve diferença significativa em todas as forças mensuradas analisando sexo e dominância independentemente, sendo a mão dominante e o sexo masculino os que obtiveram valores maiores. Entre as faixas etárias foi verificado que as forças variaram conforme a idade, com diferença significativa na maioria das comparações. CONCLUSÃO: Concluímos que a força de preensão palmar e das pinças apresentou diferença significativa no sexo, na dominância e na maioria dos subgrupos etários estudados, devendo ser considerados na dinamometria. Este estudo se mostrou relevante como referência de normalidade para avaliações das forças de preensão e pinças das mãos em crianças e jovens.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine and compare the values of maximum isometric palmar grip and pinch forces in healthy children between 6 and 19 years old using dynamometry, considering gender, dominance and age. METHODS: 199 subjects were evaluated using Jamar® dynamometer to measure palmar grip strength and Preston Pinch Gauge® dynamometer to evaluate pulp to pulp, lateral and three points pinch strength in a standardization testing protocol. The mean of three consecutive grip tests was recorded. Linear regression with mixed effects was used to statistically analyze the differences between data. RESULTS: Mean values found for palmar grip, pulp to pulp, three points and lateral pinch were 24,51kgf, 3,64kgf, 5,37kgf and 6,78kgf, respectively, regardless of the variables. There was statistical difference in all measures by gender and dominance, and the dominant hand and the males had higher grip forces. It was verified that mean values varied with age, with significant difference in most of comparisons between the age groups. CONCLUSION: We concluded that pinch and palmar grip strength demonstrated significant differences in gender, dominance and in most of age subgroups studied, being important to consider them on dynamometry. This study was relevant as reference of normality of hand strength in children and adolescents.

Elastic bandage vs. neoprene thumb stabilizer splint in acute De Quervain’s tenosynovitis.

Background: De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a common disease among the patients who performed unaccustomed repetitive movement of the thumb side of the wrist. A neoprene thumb stabilizer splint is often used to restrict thumb movement. However, because of its cost, usage of an elastic bandage made of cheaper materials is proposed. Objective: Compare the effectiveness between the elastic bandage and the neoprene thumb stabilizer splint in acute De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. Methods: Forty participants with acute De Quervain’s tenosynovitis were divided into two groups (20 participants each). The first group used the elastic bandage, and the second group used the neoprene thumb stabilizer splint. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain, lateral and palmar pinch strength were measured before and after using the bandage and the splint for one or two weeks. Results: The average ages in the bandage and the splint group were 53.15±10.42 and 48±11.7 years, respectively. The VAS pain score of the bandage and splint group over week 0, 1, and 2 were 58.50, 33.90 and 19.55, and 51.60, 35.85 and 25.20, respectively. The bandage and splint group had the lateral pinch strength over the time of 9.40, 10.70 and 11.25 lbs, and 8.90, 9.88 and 10.57 lbs, respectively. Furthermore, they had the palmar pinch strength of 3.63, 4.68 and 5.28 lbs, and 3.07, 3.92 and 4.29 lbs, respectively. Conclusion: The pain and strength were not significantly different between the bandage and the splint group in acute De Quervain tenosynovitis. Using the bandage may be more cost-effectiveness than using the splint.

Changes in the Hand Strength and Related Factors after Carpal Tunnel Decompression / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: Our goal was to investigate an improvement in hand strength and its associated factors after carpal tunnel decompression in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2008 and January 2009, a total of 31 patients (50 hands) treated with carpal tunnel decompression for carpal tunnel syndrome were enrolled into the study. Hand-strength was assessed pre- and post-surgery. In the pre-operation evaluation, we assessed multiple factors and investigated the association between these factors and recovery of hand strength. RESULTS: All patients regained hand strength after surgery. On average, the grip strength was 14.8 kg preoperatively, 13.0 kg at 6 weeks, 16.2 kg at 3 months, 18.7 kg at 6 months, and 20.6 kg at 1year postoperatively. The tip-pinch strength was 3.4 kg preoperatively and improved to 3.9 kg at 6 weeks, 4.0 kg at 3 months, 4.4 kg at 6 months and 4.7 kg at 1 year postoperatively. The key-pinch strength showed same pattern of improvement. The recovery of grip strength was significantly slower in patients with longer duration of carpal tunnel syndrome, with diabetes, or with nocturnal pain. There was no factor affecting the recovery of tip-pinch strength. Recovery of key-pinch strength was slower in patients that had experienced a longer duration of symptoms. CONCLUSION: Grip strength and pinch strength were recovered within 3 months and 6 weeks, respectively, after carpal tunnel decompression; both improved gradually until 12 months after surgery. Disease duration, diabetes, and nocturnal pain were significant factors that impacted on post-surgery recovery.

Analysis of Grip and Pinch Strength in Korean People / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: We wanted to investigate the grip and pinch strength of hands and establish the clinical normative data for Korean people. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sample of 234 Korean males and 281 Korean females (age: 10 to 84) were tested. Grip strength and pinch strength were tested twice with 5 minute interval between tests. RESULTS: Generally, hand strength peaked at 30 to 39 of age for both males and females. The average grip strength was 48.8 kg for males and 28.23 kg for females and they were 11% stronger than 12 years before in both groups. Tip pinch strength peaked in the forties, but key pinch and tripod pinch peaked in the thirties. All the peak hand strength was obtained in the 30 to 39 age group of females. Among the pinch strengths, key pinch was the strongest. For the right-handed people, the grip and pinch strengths of the right hand were stronger than those of the left hand. However, for the left-handed people, the left hand was stronger than the right hand only for the tripod pinch (p<0.005). CONCLUSION: The hand strength of Koreans peaked in the 30 to 39 age group. Key pinch was the strongest among the three pinch strengths. Right-handed people have a stronger right hand than the left hand, but the left-handed people have almost the same hand strength in both hands, except for the tripod pinch.

The Comparison of Hand Grip and Pinch Strength between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Control Groups

OBJECTIVE: To determine the usefulness of hand grip and pinch strength in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. METHOD: The experimental subjects were divided into 3 groups (Group 1: 100 persons; control, Group 2: 100 persons; RA without hand deformity, Group 3: 100 persons; RA with hand deformity). They were assessed with using the Modified Barthel Index (MBI), evaluating the activity of daily living (ADL). A JAMAR Hand Dynamometer(R), JAMAR Hydraulic Pinch Gauge(R) (Sammons Preston Rolyan, Ilinois, USA) were used to measure grip and pinch strength. Further assessments included joint deformity counts, and visual analogue scales. RESULTS: The grip and pinch strength significantly decreased in all groups. The total MBI with other groups significantly decreased in RA patients with hand deformity (group 3). The MBI correlated well with visual analogue scales in group 2 and with joint deformity counts in group 3. CONCLUSION: Hand grip and pinch strength tests would be a useful tool for the evaluation of hand function in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Effect of Types of Pinch on Measurement of Pinch Strength in Healthy Young Subjects / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Objective To investigate the effect of types of pinch on the measurement of pinch strength in healthy young subjects.Methods All anthropometric factors of 20 right-handed young volunteers(10 males,and 10 females)were recorded.Their pinch strength in 3 types(I.e.Pulp2,Chuck,and Lateral)were measured with digital pinch dynamometer in standardized position.Results For both genders,the pinch strength of Lateral was the largest,followed by Chuck,Pulp2 and the dominant hand was stronger(P<0.01).Men were stronger than women in all types of pinch strength(P<0.01).Correlation among the 3 types of pinch strength were presented(r=0.568～0.707,P<0.01).The correlation were found between the pinch strength of 3 types and weight in women(r=0.764～0.807).No correlation has been found among the pinch strength of 3 types and age,height,the thickness of palm in both the males and the females.Conclusion The sex and types of pinch significantly impact pinch strength in healthy young subjects,but the correlation between pinch strength and anthropometry should be further surveyed.

The relationship between grip strength and radius bone mineral density in postmenopausal women

BACKGROUND: Several studies have reported that muscle strength and bone mineral density have a significant positive correlation and most previous literature on muscle strength and bone mineral density examined their association. To evaluate the association between grip strength and radius bone mineral density, more precise PQCT was used rather than SPA or DEXA. METHODS: The study was performed from June to August 1999 in Pundang community with 154 postmenopausal women who undertaken osteoporosis screening program who participated in this study. Bone mineral density was measured at the radius using PQCT (peripheral quantitive computed tomograpy). Grip and pinch strength were measured in both the dominant and nondominant hands using a dyanometer. Other data were obtained from the questionnaire. RESULTS: Grip and pinch strength of the dominant hands were significantly higher than the nondominant hands. There was no significant difference in bone mineral density by exercise and fracture history. Age-adjusted partial correlation analysis indicated a significant positive correlation of radius BMD with dominant hands grip strength. Significant positive correlations also were found between radius BMD and pinch strength. CONCLUSION: Subjects with stronger grip strength had a low BMD. There was a significant positive correlationship between bone mineral density and dominant hand grip strength. especially with the more positive association of cortical BMD with forearm circumference. The data suggest that grip strength is a weak predictor of radius bone mineral density and provide a feasible way of predicting it.

Grip strength, pinch strength and quadriceps strength in Thai elderly.

A study of grip strength, pinch strength and quadriceps strength in elderly Thai people at the Geriatric Clinic, Siriraj Hospital, was carried out. One hundred and sixty two elderlies, 63 males and 99 females with a mean age xฑSD of 70ฑ6 years, were evaluated by using a hand dynamometer, pinch gauge and leg dynamometer. The grip and pinch strengths of the dominant hand differed from the non-dominant hand with a p value < 0.001. The quadriceps strength decreased significantly as the patient became older (p<0.05). Male patients had higher values of grip strength, pinch strength and quadriceps strength than females. The muscle strengths were not affected by the type and frequency of exercise. The grip strength, pinch strength and quadriceps strength decreased rapidly after the age of seventy and the decline was prone to be more rapid in males than in females. The normal values of the muscle strengths would be beneficial for early detection of neuromuscular diseases in the elderly.

Jebsen Hand Function Test in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

OBJECTIVE: To determine the usefulness of Jebsen hand function test in rheumatoid arthritis patients. METHOD: The experimental subjects were divided into 3 groups (Group 1 : 17 persons; control, Group 2 : 21 persons; RA without hand deformity, Group 3 : 16 persons; RA with hand deformity). They were assessed by Jebsen hand function test. Further included assessments were grip and pinch strength, joint deformity counts, and visual analogue scales. RESULTS: Jebsen hand function test scores were significantly decreased in rheumatoid arthritis patients compared with control. Jebsen hand function test scores were well correlated with visual analogue scales in group 2 and correlated with joint deformity counts in group 3. CONCLUSIONS: Jebsen hand function test would be useful tool for the evaluation of hand function in the rheumatoid arthritis patients with hand deformity.

Study of Upper Extremity Strength Using Jamar Dynamometer, Pinch Gauge, and Multiple Work Simulator in Normal Subjects

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the components for vocational rehabilitation program including the strengths and job simulation, and to provide the data of the upper extremity strengths for a successful return to work. METHOD: Sixty normal untrained subjects(male 30, female 30) were examined for the grip and pinch strengths using Jamar dynamometer and Preston pinch gauge, and the strengths of five simulated tasks using work simulation of Cybex 6000 Testing and Rehabilitation System(Cybex, Division of Lumex, inc., USA). RESULTS: The values during the tasks were significantly different in males compared to females(p<0.01). Strengths of the right upper extremity by Jamar dynamometer, Preston pinch gauge, gripping device, T-handle(radial direction), and flutted knob(radial direction) were significantly different compared to the left(p<0.01). Grip strengths between Jamar dynamometer and gripping device of Cybex were highly correlated(p<0.01). All the measured values were significantly correlated with both weight and height(p<0.01). CONCLUSION: The results of this study can be used as a baseline data for the vocational rehabilitation in patients with a disability of upper extremity.

Normative Data of Grip and Pinch Strength for Screening of Cumulative Trauma Disorders / 대한산업의학회지

Executing detailed examination for cumulative trauma disorders(CTD) for all the workers with repetitive operators is not desirable considering the cost-effectiveness. Screening test with subjective symptoms, physical examination and hand strength test to detect the proper subject for secondary detailed examination is needed. The purpose of this study was to determine normal values for grip and pinch(tip, lateral and palmar) strength to be used as a screening tool for CTD. Total of 1,018 healthy subjects without related past occupational or medical history were examined with Jamar dynamometer and pinch gage. Each hand was checked twice in a posture recommended by American Society of Hand Therapists, and higher value was accepted. The results were as follows, 1. The mean grip strength of right hand in right-handed man was 47.7 kg, and 27.2 kg in woman. The mean tip pinch strength of right hand in right-handed man was 6.2 kg, and 3.9 kg in woman. The mean lateral pinch strength was 9.0 kg in man, and 5.5 kg in woman. And the mean palmar pinch strength was 9.3 kg in man, and 6.9 kg in woman. There was no significant differences in dominant hand power according to the right or the left hand dominances. 2. Selecting 10 percentile value for screening criteria for CTD, 10 percentile value of trip strength was 38 kg in man and 20 kg in woman. And that of tip pinch strength was 4 kg in man and 2 kg in woman, lateral pinch strength was 6 kg and 4 kg each, palmar pinch strength was 6 kg and 5 kg each. 3. Grip and all three pinch strengths of man showed positive correlation with age, height and weight, but in the cases of woman, only grip strength showed positive correlation with height and weight. 4. In cases of right-handed persons, dominant hand showed higher grip strength compared to the contralateral hand in 70.9% of males, and 72.9% of females. And the mean differences of bilateral grip strength was 2.7 kg(5.2%) in male, and 1.7 kg(5.7%) in female. But in the cases of left-handed persons, dominant hand did not show the significant difference in strength compared to the contralateral hand.

Grip, Key Pinch, and Three Point Pinch Strength Measurement Using BTE Work Simulator

Recently, increased emphasis has been placed on the need for rehabilitation professionals to objectively evaluate a patient's potential for and progress toward a return to normal function. But as medical recovery nears completion, additional questions are commonly asked by physicians regarding work function and ability to return to full active employment. In the past, therapists have attempted to reestablish the work situation using real tools, but these machines were expensive, have space limitations and in some cases, potentially dangerous as well. A Baltimore Therapeutic Equipment(BTE) Work Simulator overcomes these shortcomings. It can be used for isometric and isotonic evaluation and treatment and assisted in providing the information needed to make determinations regarding progress in therapy, return-to-work status and job modifications. We are going to obtain normative isometric, dynamic and endurance of grip strength, key pinch strength and three point pinch strength data using BTE Work Simulator model WS20. We also compare these data between ages and sexs. This study will be helpful in clinical applications of the BTE Work Simulator and providing the more specific job related occupational therapy and developing special vocational rehabilitation program.

Pressure Threshold, Grip and Pinch Strength in Female Telephone Operators

The purpose of this study was to estimate mean pressure thresholds over several skeletal muscles, grip and pinch strengths in female telephone operators. Pressure thresholds on muscles of neck and shoulder were measured with a pressure algometer, and grip and pinch strength were measured with a Jamar dynamometer and a Jamar pinch gauge in 904 female telephone operators. The pressure threshold was highest in the supraspinatus and lowest in the cervical paraspinals. There was no statistically significant difference between right and left corresponding muscles. The mean grip strength was 22.29 kg in the right hand, 21.97 kg in the left hand. The mean tip pinch strength was 0.56 kg in the right, 0.51 kg in the left. The mean lateral pinch strength was 2.21 kg in the right, 2.12 kg in the left. The mean palmar pinch strength was 1.82 kg in the right, 1.66 kg in the left. There was no significant correlation between grip, pinch strength and age(p>0.05). There were positive correlations between height, weight and grip strength. There were positive correlations between exposure duration to visual display terminal and pinch strength.

Association between Myofascial Pain Syndrome and the Assessment of Pain and the related Function tests in female telephone directory assistance operators using BDT / 예방의학회지

The Association between myofascial pain syndrome and some tests was assessed in a cross-sectional study of 904 female telephone operators using video display terminals(VDTs). 105 cases were diagnosed as Myofascial pain syndrome with symptom questionnaire, laboratory examination and physician's physical examination and 550 controls were defined to show only musculoskeletal symptoms using NIOSH symptom criteria. Data on demographics, musculoskeletal symptom and visual analogue scale(VAS) were obtained by questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements, pressure pain threshold, Grip and Pinch strength and laboratory test were conducted. No significant difference between case and control at comparing of demographics, occupational history and body measurements were observed. But, Grip strength, pressure pain threshold and VAS showed the statistical difference between case and control. Age, pressure pain threshold of Rt. Upper trapezius and VAS were associated with myofascial pain syndrome in multivariate logistic regression analysis. This results suggest that, to diagnose of myofascial pain syndrome, the consideration of the objective aspects among patients' subjective symptom complaints through the VAS and pressure pain threshold is required.

The Clinical Study of Grip and Pinch Strength in Normal Korean Adult / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Reliable and valid evaluation of hand strength is of paramount importance in determining the effectiveness of various normative data area needed to interpret evaluation data, to set realistic treatment goals and to assess a patient's ability to return to employment. The primary purpose of this study was to establish normal value of grip and pinch strength for men women in normal Korean adult. A Jamar dynamometer(Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer. PC 5030, USA) was used to measure grip strength and Jamar pinch gauge(Hydraulic Pinch Gauge, PC 5030HPG, USA)was used to measure tip, key and palmar pinch. Two hundreds forty eight male and two hundreds thiry one female adults, aged 20 to 74 years were tested for using standardized positioning with their shoulder adducted and neutrally rotated, elbow flexed at 90。 and the forearm and wrist in neutral position. Right and left hand data were stratified into age groups for both sexes. This stratification provides a means of comparing the scores of individuals to that of normal subjects of the same aged and sex. The following results were obtained; 1. The average grip strength of the dominant hand was highest(43.9±7.3kg)in 3rd decade male group. 2. The average tip pinch strength of the dominant hand was highest in 4th decade(7.3±3.5kg)and 5th decade (7.3±2.4kg) male group. 3. The average key pinch strength of the dominant hand was highest in 5th decade(8.3±2.3 kg)male group. 4. The average palmar pinch strength of the dominant hand was highest in 4th decade(9.6±3.3 kg)male group. 5. A high correlation was seen between grip strength and age, but a low correlation between pinch strength and age. 6. The average grip strength of dominant hand was 5.6% higher than that of nondominant hand in men, and 6.5% higher in women. 7. In pinch strength, palmer pinch strength was highest among the three groups of pinch strength, then key pinch and tip pinch strength in order. 8. The mean scores of the dominant hand were larger than that of the nondominant hand on all hand strength.