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.

The Effects of Physical Factors on Anteroposterior, Intersidal Weight-Bearing Pattern and Stance Phase in Normal Adults

OBJECTIVE: To determine if physical factors (age, sex, weight, foot length) affected anteroposterior and intersidal weight- bearing pattern on footplate in standing posture and duration of stance phase at walking. METHOD: Participants were 578 healthy adults (250 men, 328 women). All participants were tested by Gaitview? (Alfoots, Seoul, Korea) which measure anteroposterior, intersidal weight-bearing pattern on foot plate and duration of stance phase at walking. Measurements were analyzed to find any relations among physical factors (age, sex, weight, foot length), anteorposterior, intersidal weight-bearing pattern and stance phase. RESULTS: The age, weight, foot length had no specific relations to anteroposterior weight-bearing pattern (r0.4, p<0.01). CONCLUSION: There was a significant correlation between sex and anteroposteior weight-bearing pattern. And there was a positive relation between age and stance, midstance phase.