OBJECTIVE: To confirm the effects of combined upper limb robotic therapy (RT) as compared to conventional occupational therapy (OT) in tetraplegic spinal cord injury (SCI) patients and to suggest the optimized treatment guidelines of combined upper limb RT. METHODS: After subject recruitment and screening for eligibility, the baseline evaluation for outcome measures were performed. We evaluated the Graded and Redefined Assessment of Strength, Sensibility, and Prehension (GRASSP), the American Spinal Injury Association upper extremity motor score, grip and pinch strength, and the Spinal Cord Independence Measurement III (SCIM-III). In this study, the pre-tested participants were divided randomly into the RT and OT group. The utilized interventions included combined upper limb RT using ArmeoPower and Amadeo (RT group), or conventional OT (OT group) in addition to daily inpatient rehabilitation program. The participants underwent 40 minutes×3 sessions×5 weeks of interventions. RESULTS: A total of 30 tetraplegic SCI patients completed entire study program. After 5 weeks of intervention, both groups demonstrated increases in GRASSP-strength and SCIM-III. The manual muscle test scores of elbow flexion, elbow extension, 2-5th metacarpophalangeal extension, and SCIM-III subscores of bathing-upper, dressing-upper, and grooming as well as the GRASSP-qualitative prehension score were noted to have been significantly increased in the RT group as evaluated. The OT group showed improvements in the GRASSP-quantitative prehension score and some items in grip and pinch strength. There was no significant difference between the two groups in almost all measurements except for the SCIM-III bathing-upper subscore. CONCLUSION: Combined upper limb RT demonstrated beneficial effects on the upper limb motor function in patients with tetraplegic SCI, which were comparable with conventional OT.
Animals ; Elbow ; Grooming ; Hand Strength ; Humans ; Inpatients ; Mass Screening ; Occupational Therapy ; Outcome Assessment (Health Care) ; Pinch Strength ; Rehabilitation ; Robotics ; Spinal Cord Injuries ; Spinal Cord ; Spinal Injuries ; Upper Extremity

BACKGROUND: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral entrapment neuropathy with a high morbidity and healthcare-related costs. Currently there is no consensus about the best treatment option. The purpose of this prospective cohort study conducted at a single institution was to evaluate the clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction following a mini-open carpal tunnel release for idiopathic CTS. METHODS: A total of 72 patients (53 female and 19 male patients; mean age, 57.8±15.3 years; range, 24–94 years) had a mini-open carpal tunnel release performed by a single senior surgeon between June 2015 and June 2016. The patients were evaluated preoperatively, and at 3 and 12 months post-intervention. At every follow-up, the Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTSQ) and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for pain and satisfaction were completed. Digital sensibility (using Semmes- Weinstein monofilaments) was assessed and pinch and grip strengths were measured. RESULTS: Statistically significant and clinically relevant improvement was found in terms of digital sensibility, grip and pinch strength (except for 2-point pinch), BCTSQ scores and pain scores. The complication rate was minimal, and no major complications occurred. Two patients experienced recurrence. The availability of follow-up records (including patient-reported outcomes, BCTSQ and VAS scores, and the complication rate) at 1-year post-intervention varied between 69% and 74% (50–53 patients) depending on which parameter was assessed. Patient satisfaction was high (mean, 80.9±26.0; range, 0–100). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that mini-incision carpal tunnel release is clinically effective in the short and long term.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ; Cohort Studies ; Consensus ; Decompression, Surgical ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hand Strength ; Humans ; Male ; Outcome Assessment (Health Care) ; Patient Satisfaction ; Pinch Strength ; Prospective Studies ; Recurrence ; Treatment Outcome

PURPOSE: Moderate to severe cubital tunnel syndrome usually requires surgical treatment. Most surgical outcomes are evaluated 6 months after the procedure; however, subjective symptoms begin to show improvement much earlier. In this study, we explored whether patients who experience early improvement of subjective symptoms have different clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes than those without early improvement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2012 and February 2015, 36 surgical cases of moderate- to severe-stage cubital tunnel syndrome (modified McGowan grade IIA, IIB, or III) were included. Nineteen patients (15 males and 4 females with a mean age of 54.3±12.0 years) reported subjective symptom improvements within 14 days postoperatively. Seventeen patients (15 males and 2 females with a mean age of 53.4±11.9 years) did not report any early symptom improvements. Clinical characteristics—hand dominance, sex, smoking history, type of surgery, age, symptom duration, elbow range of motion, grip strength, key pinch strength, 2 point discrimination, pain, quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score, and modified McGowan grade—were analyzed retrospectively using a Mann-Whitney test or chi square test. Surgical outcomes were measured at postoperative 3 and 12 months using repeated-measures ANOVA, and Wilson and Krout criteria were analyzed using a chi-square test. RESULTS: There was a difference in key pinch strength (p<0.001) between the groups. At postoperative 12 months, Wilson and Krout criteria (p=0.029) were associated with early improvement of subjective symptoms. The subjects' quick DASH scores and grip strengths improved over time, but no difference was observed between the groups. CONCLUSION: After surgical treatments of moderate to severe cubital tunnel syndrome, patients who presented early improvement of subjective symptoms, compared with those who did not, had significantly higher preoperative key pinch strength and better surgical outcomes at postoperative 12 months.
Arm ; Cubital Tunnel Syndrome* ; Discrimination (Psychology) ; Elbow ; Female ; Hand ; Hand Strength ; Humans ; Male ; Outcome Assessment (Health Care) ; Pinch Strength ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Retrospective Studies ; Shoulder ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Symptom Assessment

INTRODUCTIONHand strength is a good indicator of physical fitness and frailty among the elderly. However, there are no published hand strength references for Malaysians aged > 65 years. This study aimed to establish normative data for hand grip strength (HGS) and key pinch strength (KPS) for Malaysians aged ≥ 60 years, and explore the relationship between hand strength and physical ability.

METHODSHealthy participants aged ≥ 60 years with no neurological conditions were recruited from rural and urban locations in Malaysia. HGS and KPS were measured using hand grip and key pinch dynamometers. Basic demographic data, anthropometric measures, modified Barthel Index scores and results of the Functional Reach Test (FRT), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT) were recorded.

RESULTS362 subjects aged 60-93 years were recruited. The men were significantly stronger than the women in both HGS and KPS (p < 0.001). The hand strength of the study cohort was lower than that of elderly Western populations. Significant correlations were observed between hand strength, and residential area (p < 0.001), FRT (r = 0.236, p = 0.028), TUG (r = -0.227, p = 0.009) and JTHFT (r = -0.927, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONThis study established reference ranges for the HGS and KPS of rural and urban elderly Malaysian subpopulations. These will aid the use of hand strength as a screening tool for frailty among elderly persons in Malaysia. Future studies are required to determine the modifiable factors for poor hand strength.

Age Factors ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Anthropometry ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Female ; Hand ; physiology ; Hand Strength ; Healthy Volunteers ; Humans ; Malaysia ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pinch Strength ; Reference Values ; Sex Factors

PURPOSE: There has been few published on arthroscopy of metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) despite increasingly being used worldwide. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of arthroscopy for pathologies around MCPJ of the thumb. METHODS: Between September 2007 and June 2015, 56 patients (56 thumb) who underwent arthroscopy of the MCPJ were retrospectively studied. Preoperative diagnoses, which were made through physical examination, plain radiograph, stress radiography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance images (MRI), were compared with arthroscopic findings. Therapeutic arthroscopic surgeries were performed according to the needs of each patient. Functional outcomes were assessed with physical examination as well as disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score and Michigan Hand outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ) score at an average 7.3 months follow-up. RESULTS: Six patients who suspected with collateral ligament injuries in MRI confirmed different diagnoses under arthroscopy. At final follow-up, the mean range of flexion contracture of the MCPJ was 5°, and the mean range of further flexion was 52.7°. Grip and pinch strength averaged 87.2% and 79.3% of contralateral side. Mean DASH and MHQ score were improved from 48.1 and 44.6, preoperatively to 14.9 and 26.3, postoperatively (p<0.001, p=0.012, respectively). All patients were satisfied with their outcomes at final follow-up, except 4 patients who noted joint stiffness or chronic pain around the thumb. CONCLUSION: Our results revealed that arthroscopy is helpful for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes of acute and chronic painful MCPJ of the thumb. However, further studies are needed to expand the applications of arthroscopy of MCPJ of the thumb.
Arm ; Arthroscopy* ; Chronic Pain* ; Collateral Ligaments ; Contracture ; Diagnosis ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hand ; Hand Strength ; Humans ; Joints ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Metacarpophalangeal Joint* ; Michigan ; Pathology ; Physical Examination ; Pinch Strength ; Radiography ; Retrospective Studies ; Shoulder ; Thumb* ; Ultrasonography

PURPOSE: Trigger thumb is a common condition with a prevalence rate up to 3% among the adults. The main pathophysiology is locking of the flexor tendon at the A1 pulley. Treatments include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, steroid injection, and surgical A1 pulley release. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of ultrasound-guided percutaneous release of trigger thumb. METHODS: The author prospectively reviewed 37 patients who had undergone ultrasound-guided percutaneous release by the same surgeon from January 2012 to June 2014. The effect of ultrasound-guided A1 pulley release was evaluated by using visual analogue scale (VAS) score, disabilities of arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) score, and grip and pinch strengths preoperatively and at 12weeks after the surgery. In addition, complications related with the procedure were evaluated. RESULTS: Triggering and locking were resolved in all patients after surgery. VAS and DASH improved from 5.0±1.8 and 45.8±16.9 preoperatively to 0.3±0.6 and 16.2±6.3 at 12 weeks, respectively (p=0.019 and p=0.021). Grip and pinch strengths statistically improved from33.5±8.6 kg and 36.7±8.1 kg, preoperatively 46.2±6.1 kg and 47.1±7.4 kg, respectively (p=0.026 and p=0.041). Complications such as incomplete resection, neurologic symptoms or wound infection were not found throughout the period of the study. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided percutaneous A1 pulley release provides complete relief of symptoms with no major complication in trigger thumb.
Adult ; Arm ; Hand ; Hand Strength ; Humans ; Neurologic Manifestations ; Pinch Strength ; Prevalence ; Prospective Studies ; Shoulder ; Tendons ; Trigger Finger Disorder* ; Ultrasonography ; Wound Infection

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: < or =3 months), group B (onset duration: >3 months and <2 years), and group C (onset duration: > 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.
Activities of Daily Living* ; Functional Laterality ; Hand ; Hand Strength* ; Hemiplegia ; Humans ; Medical Records ; Pinch Strength* ; Retrospective Studies ; Stroke*

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.
Follow-Up Studies ; Hand ; Hand Strength ; Humans ; Joints ; Pinch Strength ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Rehabilitation ; Replantation* ; Retrospective Studies ; Tendon Injuries ; Tendons

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of two different hand exercises on hand strength and vascular maturation in patients who underwent arteriovenous fistula surgery. METHODS: We recruited 18 patients who had chronic kidney disease and had undergone arteriovenous fistula surgery for hemodialysis. After the surgery, 10 subjects performed hand-squeezing exercise with GD Grip, and other 8 subjects used Soft Ball. The subjects continued the exercises for 4 weeks. The hand grip strength, pinch strength (tip, palmar and lateral pinch), and forearm circumference of the subjects were assessed before and after the hand-squeezing exercise. The cephalic vein size, blood flow velocity and volume were also measured by ultrasonography in the operated limb. RESULTS: All of the 3 types of pinch strengths, grip strength, and forearm circumference were significantly increased in the group using GD Grip. Cephalic vein size and blood flow volume were also significantly increased. However, blood flow velocity showed no difference after the exercise. The group using Soft Ball showed a significant increase in the tip and lateral pinch strength and forearm circumference. The cephalic vein size and blood flow volume were also significantly increased. On comparing the effect of the two different hand exercises, hand-squeezing exercise with GD Grip had a significantly better effect on the tip and palmar pinch strength than hand-squeezing exercise with Soft Ball. The effect on cephalic vein size was not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The results showed that hand squeezing exercise with GD Grip was more effective in increasing the tip and palmar pinch strength compared to hand squeezing exercise with soft ball.
Arteriovenous Fistula* ; Blood Flow Velocity ; Exercise* ; Extremities ; Forearm* ; Hand Strength* ; Hand* ; Humans ; Pinch Strength ; Renal Dialysis ; Renal Insufficiency ; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic ; Resistance Training ; Ultrasonography ; Veins

PURPOSE: Digits injured by punch press machines show peculiar types with segmental loss of middle part of digits. Although the distal parts of finger survived, thr results is frequently unfavorable with respect to function and appearance after inappropriate reconstruction. METHODS: From August 2008 to February 2013, five digits injured by punch press machines in four patients were managed. Pinch strength, two-point discrimination and active range of motion were measured to evaluate finger function. RESULTS: Three digits with a preserved amputated segment underwent replantation. Partial necrosis occurred in one digit in which local flap was performed. Secondary tendon graft was performed in the other digits. Two digits without segment was reconstructed by arthrodesis after shortening the length. The patients were generally satisfied with function and appearance. CONCLUSION: Reconstruction of digits injured by punch machines are technically difficult. Replantation is the best method in cases of preserved segment, while arthrodesis with shortening is appropriate in cases without segment.
Amputation ; Arthrodesis ; Discrimination (Psychology) ; Fingers ; Humans ; Methods ; Necrosis ; Pinch Strength ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Replantation ; Tendons ; Transplants