Functional capacity assessment of upper limbs in healthy young adult subjects

Daniela Gonçalves Ohara,Ivanize Mariana Masselli Dos Reis,Mauricio Jamami,Cristiane De Sousa Melo

doi:10.1590/1980-5918.030.001.ao17

Daniela Gonçalves Ohara, Ivanize Mariana Masselli Dos Reis + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.1590/1980-5918.030.001.ao17

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Abstract

Abstract Introduction Assessing the functional capacity of the upper limbs (UL) is essential to direct treatments in clinical practice but there is a lack of research on specific methods for this end. Objective To verify the relationship of physical activity, grip strength (GS) and body mass index (BMI) with performance on 6-minute Pegboard and Ring Test (6PBRT) in healthy subjects. Methods Cross-sectional, exploratory and quantitative study. Apparently healthy adults were evaluated, both sexes, according to sociodemographic and anthropometric aspects, health conditions, physical activity level (IPAQ - short version), GS and functional capacity of the upper limbs (6PBRT). The data were analyzed descriptively using means, standard deviations, absolute figures and percentages. Correlations were found between variables using Spearman’s correlation coefficient (p < 0.05). The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows, version 17.0 was used for analysis purposes. Results In total, 50 individuals were evaluated, the majority classified as active (54%). The mean GS was 30.70 ± 9,47kgf and the average number of loops moved during the 6PBRT was 277.6 ± 34.48. There was no correlation between the number of rings moved in 6PBRT and the level of physical activity (r = 0.076; p = 0.602), GS (r = -0.008; p = 0.956) or BMI (r = 0.031; p = 0.829). Conclusion The level of physical activity, GS and BMI did not influence the performance on 6PBRT, demonstrated by the lack of correlation between these variables.

Highlights

Assessing the functional capacity of the upper limbs (UL) is essential to direct treatments in clinical practice but there is a lack of research on speci ic methods for this end
The functional capacity of the upper limbs (UL) is an important component in the execution of activities of daily living (ADLs), as their integrity permits the appropriate performance of the UL functions, which are guided reaching, grip and object handling [1]
Some chronic respiratory diseases can cause a loss in UL functioning, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic ibrosis and idiopathic pulmonary ibrosis

Summary

Introduction

Assessing the functional capacity of the upper limbs (UL) is essential to direct treatments in clinical practice but there is a lack of research on speci ic methods for this end. Healthy adults were evaluated, both sexes, according to sociodemographic and anthropometric aspects, health conditions, physical activity level (IPAQ - short version), GS and functional capacity of the upper limbs (6PBRT). Conclusion: The level of physical activity, GS and BMI did not in luence the performance on 6PBRT, demonstrated by the lack of correlation between these variables. Some chronic respiratory diseases can cause a loss in UL functioning, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic ibrosis and idiopathic pulmonary ibrosis. In these cases, the overall functional capacity is reduced (2 - 4) and the performance of ADLs may even be affected (3 - 6). The limitations on physical exercise worsen, due to the abnormal abdominal-thoracic movement these patients present, in view of the physical effort and mechanical disadvantage that increases the respiratory work [11]

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