The relationship of tremor severity with proximal and distal muscle strength and upper extremity functional skills in older adults with essential tremor

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Although it is known that muscle strength training is effective in Essential Tremor (ET), it is not known which muscle groups are more affected. The study was conducted to examine the relationship between tremor severity and proximal and distal muscle strength and upper extremity functional skills in older adults with ET. A total of 40 older adults who were diagnosed with ET (mean age of 74.07 ± 4.83years) and 40 older adults without tremor (mean age of 70.10 ± 4.05years) were included in the study. Tremor severity was evaluated with the Fahn-Tolosa-Marin Tremor Rating Scale (FTMTRS), the proximal muscular strength with digital muscle dynamometer, handgrip strength with hand dynamometer, and pinch grip strength with pinchmeter. The Arm and Shoulder Problems Questionnaire (DASH) was used to determine the functional status of the upper extremities. Fine Manual Dexterity was measured with the Nine-Hole Peg Test (NHPT). All proximal and distal muscle strengths were significantly lower, DASH and NHPT were significantly higher in the group with ET (p < 0.05). A significant negative correlation was detected between tremor severity and all proximal and distal muscular strength and a significant positive correlation between tremor severity and DASH in group with ET (p < 0.05). However, no significant correlations were found between tremor severity and NHPT in the group with ET. It was found that older adults who had tremors had low proximal and distal muscular strength, upper extremity functionality was affected and hand skills was impaired. Furthermore tremor severity is affected by both proximal and distal muscle strength.