New Scoring System for Jebsen Hand Function Test

OBJECTIVE: To develop a new scoring system for Jebsen Hand Function Test (JHFT) and test validity of the new score scale in stroke patients. METHOD: JHFT and the modified Barthel index upper extremity subtest (MBI-U) were performed on a total of 210 stroke patients at a tertiary university hospital. Based on JHFT raw data, scores were calculated from the existing scoring system and the new one. Validity of scores from each system was evaluated by comparing each score with the MBI-U score. Floor effects of both scoring system were compared. RESULTS: In all the seven subtest items of JHFT, the floor effect of the new scoring system was far lower than that of the existing one. Pearson correlation coefficient between the score from the new scoring system and the MBI-U score was 0.4880 (p<0.0001, n=210). CONCLUSION: 'New score scale' -a scoring system for JHFT based upon new criteria- was presented. New score scale for JHFT has reduced floor effect and is valid in stroke patients.

The Chronological Review of Uninvolved Hand Function in Stroke Patients

OBJECTIVE: To investigate chronological change of uninvolved hand function in hemiplegic patients and to assess any correlation between the improvement in Jebsen hand function test (JHFT) and modified Barthel index (MBI) and between the improvement in hand power and modified Barthel index. METHODS: JHFT, MBI and hand power measurement were done twice on twenty hemiplegic patients. Initial test were done after 36.5+/-18.2 days from onset and follow-up interval were 28.2+/-7.2 days. RESULTS: We could find statistically significant time shortening in JHFT (p<0.01) and power increment (p<0.05) of uninvolved hands. None of MBI was normalized except for feeding. Majority were not normalized in JHFT. Patients who improved in stacking checkers in JHFT and in lateral pinch power showed improvement in total MBI score. But any correlation between the improvement in other items of JHFT and each items of MBI and between the improvement in hand power and each items of MBI were not found. CONCLUSION: Not normalized uninvolved hand function of the majority in the follow-up test proved the necessity of active rehabilitation on the uninvolved hand in acute stage. Generally there was no correlation between the improvement in JHFT and MBI, and between the improvement in HP and MBI.

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.