Quantifiable tests for cervical myelopathy; 10-s grip and release test and 10-s step test: standard values and aging variation from 1230 healthy volunteers

Abstract

PurposeThe 10-s grip and release (G&R) test and 10-s step test were reported to be useful tools to evaluate the severity of cervical myelopathy quantitatively. The purpose of this study is to establish the standard values of the 10-s G&R test and 10-s step test as quantitative tests for cervical myelopathy and to elucidate the aging variation and gender difference of those values in a large cohort of normal subjects. MethodsA total of 1230 healthy volunteers were enrolled. They included at least 100 men and 100 women in each decade from the 20s to 70s. Three tests were performed: the number of finger grips and releases in 10s, number of steps in 10s, and gripping power. ResultsThe average number of G&Rs on the weaker side was 21.5±5.5, whereas the average number of steps was 19.7±3.4. The average gripping power on the weaker side was 29.5±9.6kg. The number of G&Rs and steps in 10s decreased significantly with age (r=−0.58, −0.43, respectively). The average number of G&Rs on the weaker side was <20 in the 60s and 70s. The number of G&Rs was significantly correlated with the number of steps and gripping power. A significant difference was seen between the genders in all three tests. ConclusionThe standard values of the 10-s G&R test, 10-s step test, and gripping power were established in this study. When these quantifiable tests are used as screening tests of cervical myelopathy, aging variation and gender difference should be considered.