Isometric hand grip strength correlated with isokinetic data of the shoulder stabilizers in individuals with chronic stroke

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between isometric hand grip (HG) strength and isokinetic strength data of the glenoumeral and scapulothoracic muscles in 12 individuals with chronic hemiparesis due to stroke. Measures of maximal grip strength were obtained on the HG dynamometer Jamar(®). Isokinetic measures of peak torque and work during shoulder rotations and scapular protraction-retraction movements were obtained with the isokinetic dynamometer at a speed of 60°/s. Pearson correlation coefficients between isometric HG and isokinetic strength data ranged between 0.60 and 0.82 for the peak torque and between 0.59 and 0.86 for the isokinetic work. The findings suggested that, in absence of isokinetic dynamometers, isometric HG strength measurements could be clinically used to monitor strength levels of the shoulder stabilizers and to guide load progressions during strengthening interventions for people with chronic hemiparesis.