Reliability of maximal grip strength measurements and grip strength recovery following a stroke.

STUDY DESIGN: Clinical measurement. PURPOSE: The test-retest reliability of maximal grip strength measurements (MGSM) is examined in subjects for 12 weeks post-stroke together with maximal grip strength recovery and the maximal-grip and upper-extremity strength measurements' relationship with capacity and performance test scores. METHODS: A Jamar dynamometer and the Motricity Index (MI) were used for strength measurements. The Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory and ABILHAND questionnaire for evaluating capacities and performances. RESULTS: MGSM were reliable (Intraclass Correlation Coefficients = 0.97-0.99, Minimal Detectable Differences = 2.73-4.68 kg). Among the 34 participants, 47% did not have a measurable grip strength one week post-stroke but 50% of these recovered some strength within the first eight weeks. The MGSM and MI scores were correlated with scores of tests of capacity and performance (Spearman's Rank Correlation Coefficients = 0.69-0.94). CONCLUSIONS: MGSM are reliable in the first weeks after a stroke. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.

Efficacy of an explicit handwriting program.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an explicit handwriting program introduced during the first grade of elementary school. Grade 1 children (N=23) with an age range of 6.1 to 7.4 yr. (15 girls, 8 boys) were administered an additional handwriting program of two weekly sessions of 45 min. over six weeks. Another group of 19 Grade 1 children (11 girls, 8 boys) received only the regular handwriting program of one weekly session. The Concise Assessment Scale for Children's Handwriting was administered to measure the changes in quality and speed of handwriting. The children given the explicit program showed better quality and speed of handwriting than did the control group. Their handwriting was more regular, with fewer ambiguous letters and fewer incorrect relative heights.

[Utilization of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) among children and their parents: a Swiss experience]. / Utilisation de la MCRO auprès d'enfants et de leurs parents: une expérience suisse.

BACKGROUND: This descriptive and exploratory study examined the use of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) involving 33 children and their parents in French speaking Switzerland. The overall aim of the study was to determine the utility of the measure in order to objectivize the impact of the treatment. METHOD: The COPM was administered twice (initial assessment and reassessment) in order to measure the change in occupational performance and satisfaction over time. The interviews were conducted by 18 occupational therapists, either separately or with both the parents and children together. RESULTS: The analyses highlight the statistically significant changes that occured between the initial assessment and the reassessment, in both the occupational performance and satisfaction. It appears that occupational therapists plan to use the COPM more as a guide when interviewing the parents and the children, rather than as an evaluation tool. Only 17 % of the occupational therapists indicated that they intended to use the point rating scale, but the majority said that the COPM would be useful in establishing a better partnership between parents and professionals. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The contribution of this study lies not only in the results of the research confirming the relevance of the COPM in measuring the impact of practice, but also in the influence of its use on occupational therapy practice, with a greater focus on the needs of the clients and on their independance in daily life.