Assessment Of Hand Function Research Articles

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Affects Pinch Strength and Hand Dexterity in Elderly Patients.

Objective Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is one of the most common chronic complications of diabetes, leading to disability and decreased quality of life. In past research and clinical studies, the lower limb function of DPN patients was often the principal subject of research, with little attention given to the upper limb and hand. Our goal was to assess and compare hand function between elderly diabetic patients with DPN and without DPN. Methods A total of 52 diabetic patients were registered and underwent hand function assessments and electrodiagnostic tests. Dynamometer, pinch meter, Semmes Weinstein monofilaments, and the Purdue Pegboard Test (PPT) were used to assess the patients' grip strength, pinch strength, tactile sensory threshold, and hand dexterity. Results Compared with the non-DPN group, the elderly DPN group showed worse thumb-middle fingertip pinch strength and thumb-little fingertip pinch strength in the dominant hand (3.50 (2.50, 4.25) vs. 4.50 (3.00, 5.00), p = 0.019; 1.50 (1.00, 2.00) vs. 2.50 (2.00, 3.00), p < 0.001); the elderly DPN group displayed worse thumb-middle fingertip pinch strength, thumb-ring fingertip pinch strength, and thumb-little fingertip pinch strength in the nondominant hand (3.50 (2.00, 4.50) vs. 4.00 (3.00, 5.00), p = 0.013; 2.50 (1.25, 3.00) vs. 3.00 (2.50, 3.50), p = 0.033; 1.00 (0.75, 2.25) vs. 2.50 (2.00, 2.50), p < 0.001). The elderly DPN group scored lower than the non-DPN group on the PPT test of assembly (13.96 ± 5.18 vs. 16.96 ± 4.61, t = 2.212, p = 0.032). Conclusion Motor function limitation is the principal hand dysfunction in elderly patients with DPN, which is mainly manifested as a decline in fingertip pinch strength and a decrease in hand dexterity. This trial is registered with Clinical Trial Registry no. ChiCTR1900025358.

Assessment of Hand Function in Post Stroke Patients Using ‘Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test’

Aim: After stroke, the majority of stroke survivors experience significant arm-hand impairments anda decreased use of the paretic arm and hand in daily life. The actual use of the affected hand in dailylife performance depends on the severity of the arm-hand impairment and is associated with perceivedlimitations in participation. Severity of arm-hand impairment is also associated with a decrease ofhealth-related quality of life, restricted social participation, and subjective well-being.Thus the studyaims to assess the hand function using Jebsen Taylor Hand function test among patients post stroke.Methodology: Hand function was assessed using the Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test,which includedseven tasks to be performed by the subjects.Hand function was assessed in 22 post stroke patients whohad experienced the stroke event at least 6 months prior.Results: Out of the seven activities performed by 22 patients,the time required for all the activitiesis given as follows (highest to lowest) –Writing, Simulated feeding, Small; common objects, Cardturning, Checkers, Light; heavy objects, Large; light objects.Conclusion: Overall the study showed that the writing activity required the most amount of time for allthe subjects. The study also concludes that the time duration required is greater for the non-dominanthand compared to the dominant hand for all the above mentioned activities.

Classification of 41 Hand and Wrist Movements via Surface Electromyogram Using Deep Neural Network

Surface electromyography (sEMG) is a non-invasive and straightforward way to allow the user to actively control the prosthesis. However, results reported by previous studies on using sEMG for hand and wrist movement classification vary by a large margin, due to several factors including but not limited to the number of classes and the acquisition protocol. The objective of this paper is to investigate the deep neural network approach on the classification of 41 hand and wrist movements based on the sEMG signal. The proposed models were trained and evaluated using the publicly available database from the Ninapro project, one of the largest public sEMG databases for advanced hand myoelectric prosthetics. Two datasets, DB5 with a low-cost 16 channels and 200 Hz sampling rate setup and DB7 with 12 channels and 2 kHz sampling rate setup, were used for this study. Our approach achieved an overall accuracy of 93.87 ± 1.49 and 91.69 ± 4.68% with a balanced accuracy of 84.00 ± 3.40 and 84.66 ± 4.78% for DB5 and DB7, respectively. We also observed a performance gain when considering only a subset of the movements, namely the six main hand movements based on six prehensile patterns from the Southampton Hand Assessment Procedure (SHAP), a clinically validated hand functional assessment protocol. Classification on only the SHAP movements in DB5 attained an overall accuracy of 98.82 ± 0.58% with a balanced accuracy of 94.48 ± 2.55%. With the same set of movements, our model also achieved an overall accuracy of 99.00% with a balanced accuracy of 91.27% on data from one of the amputee participants in DB7. These results suggest that with more data on the amputee subjects, our proposal could be a promising approach for controlling versatile prosthetic hands with a wide range of predefined hand and wrist movements.

Translation, cultural adaptation and reproducibility of a Portuguese version of the Functional Index for Hand OsteoArthritis (FIHOA)

BackgroundThe Functional Index for Hand Osteoarthritis (FIHOA) is a simple, reliable, and reproducible specific instrument to evaluate hand OA that can be applied both in clinical practice and research protocols. In order to be used in Brazil, FIHOA has to be translated into Portuguese, culturally adapted and have the reliability of the translated FIHOA version tested, which is the purpose of this study.MethodsThe FIHOA was translated into Brazilian Portuguese and administered to 68 patients with hand OA recruited between May 2019 and February 2020. The test-retest was applied to 32 patients and the reliability was assessed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The internal consistency reliability was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha. External construction validity was assessed using the Spearman’s correlation test between FIHOA and pain, assessed with a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the Cochin Hand Functional Scale (CHFS) and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ).ResultsThe 30 participants that initially answered the translated version of the FiHOA did not report difficulties in understanding or interpreting the translated version. The test-retest reliability for the total score was strong (r = 0.86; ICC = 0.89). Mean differences (1.37 ± 0.68) using Bland Altman’s analysis did not significantly differ from zero and no systematic bias was observed. Cronbach’s alpha was also high (0.89) suggesting a strong internal coherence in the test items. There were also correlations between FIHOA and the CHFS (r = 0.88), HAQ (r = 0.64) and pain in the hands both at rest (r = 0.55) and in motion (r = 0.44).ConclusionThe translation of the FIHOA into Brazilian Portuguese proved a valid instrument for measuring the functional capacity of patients with hand OA who understand Brazilian Portuguese.

Validity, reliability, and sensitivity to motor impairment severity of a multi-touch app designed to assess hand mobility, coordination, and function after stroke

BackgroundThe assessment of upper-limb motor impairments after stroke is usually performed using clinical scales and tests, which may lack accuracy and specificity and be biased. Although some instruments exist that are capable of evaluating hand functions and grasping during functional tasks, hand mobility and dexterity are generally either not specifically considered during clinical assessments or these examinations lack accuracy. This study aimed to determine the convergent validity, reliability, and sensitivity to impairment severity after a stroke of a dedicated, multi-touch app, named the Hand Assessment Test.MethodsThe hand mobility, coordination, and function of 88 individuals with stroke were assessed using the app, and their upper-limb functions were assessed using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity, the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test, the Box and Block Test, and the Nine Hole Peg Test. Twenty-three participants were further considered to investigate inter- and intra-rater reliability, standard error of measurement, and the minimal detectable change threshold of the app. Finally, participants were categorized according to motor impairment severity and the sensitivity of the app relative to these classifications was investigated.ResultsSignificant correlations, of variable strengths, were found between the measurements performed by the app and the clinical scales and tests. Variable reliability, ranging from moderate to excellent, was found for all app measurements. Exercises that involved tapping and maximum finger-pincer grasp were sensitive to motor impairment severity.ConclusionsThe convergent validity, reliability, and sensitivity to motor impairment severity of the app, especially of those exercises that involved tapping and the maximum extension of the fingers, together with the widespread availability of the app, could support the use of this and similar apps to complement conventional clinical assessments of hand function after stroke.

Assessment of hand function in women with lymphadenopathy after radical mastectomy.

BackgroundBreast cancer related upper limb lymphedema (BCRL) is a common complication in post-mastectomy patients. It is known to cause upper limb disability, which subsequently may affect the grip strength and hand function. There is little evidence on the objective assessment of functional activities particularly hand function in women with BCRL. Therefore, this study objectively assesses the handgrip strength and hand functions in women with BCRL.MethodA cross-sectional study design was conducted on a sample of women with (n = 31) and without (n = 31) BCRL. The Handgrip strength and hand functions were measured using a dynamometer and Jebsen-Taylor hand function test, respectively.ResultsThe results showed a significantly reduced handgrip strength in women with BCRL as compared to age-matched healthy adult women for both right and left hands (p < 0.05). Similarly, hand functions were significantly impaired in women with BCRL as compared to healthy adult women (p < 0.05). Reduction in handgrip strength and hand function in women with BCRL were clinically meaningful as indicated by moderate to large effect sizes (Cohen’s d = 0.61 to 0.99 and 0.54 to 3.02, respectively) in all outcomes except power handgrip strength in left hand (Cohen’s d = 0.38).ConclusionThe results of this study indicate a significant reduction of hand grip strength and hand function in women with BCRL. Our findings suggest that objective measures of grip strength and function be included in the assessment of women with BCRL to better guide clinical decision making and patient care, which may include management of impairment associated with hand strength and function. Future studies that evaluate hand grip strength and function in a larger sample which includes a more diverse age group of women with BCRL are warranted to confirm the current findings.

Lipofilling as an Adjuvant Therapy for Postburn Grafted Hand: Functional and Aesthetic Outcome.

Background : Background: Fat transfer is widely used as an adjuvant therapy to achieve the deficiencies faced minor burning regeneration. Aim of the study: The study aimed to represent our experience with autologous fat grafting in improving hand function and cosmesis in cases that undergo skin grafts after burns to the hand dorsum. Patient and methods: A case series study where patients aged 16-60 with post-burn grafted hand contractures, evaluating functional and aesthetic outcomes after a single session of lipofilling; A case series study carried out from May 2019 to August 2020 on twenty patients with post-burn grafted hand contractures. All patients underwent autologous fat transfer to their burnt grafted hands. Hand function and cosmesis and Patients’ contentment were evaluated utilizing the Patient Observer Scar Assessment Scale. Results: Follow after lipofilling showed general improvement of the burnt hand. Regarding the assessment of hand function, there was a statistical development throughout the total active movement. Regarding the assessment of patient satisfaction, there were significant improvements in pain, itching, scar color, volume, stiffness, skin softening (P-value< 0.001 for all). Regarding the assessment of doctor opinion, vascularity, pigmentation, pliability, and pain relief were significantly improved (P-value<0.001) Conclusion: Lipofilling is an effective and safe adjuvant therapy to improve the hand's post-burn contractures and aesthetic appearance.

Intermanual Transfer Effects on Performance Gain Following Dominant Hand Training in Community-Dwelling Healthy Adults: A Preliminary Study.

PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate the intermanual transfer effects of dominant hand training on the functional task of the untrained hand.MethodsFifty community-dwelling healthy adults (mean age, 23.4 ± 2.5 Y; females, 60%) were participated. Participants in the experimental group received 15 minutes of right-hand training on a pegboard apparatus twice a week for four weeks. The control group received no training. The Jebsen Taylor test (JTT) and a 16-hole pegboard test were used for the assessment of hand function and dexterity.ResultsMost of the JTT subtests except the writing and simulated feeding subtests and the performance of pegboard task by untrained hand were significantly improved in the experimental group after 4 weeks of training. However, no changes in the untrained hand function after 4 weeks in the control group. There were no significant differences in the pegboard task and JTT subtests found at baseline between the two groups. There were significant differences in the pegboard task between the two groups after dominant hand training. The experimental group took 4.3- and 2.5-second lesser time to complete the pegboard task using the dominant and non-dominant hand, respectively. Similarly, most of the JTT subtests except the writing and simulated feeding subtests were significantly better in the training group than the control group.ConclusionThis study indicates that the function of the untrained non-dominant hand may be improved after functional training of the dominant hand. Since this study included only healthy young adults, results of this study cannot be generalized to other groups of people such as the elderly. While this study suggests that intermanual transfer could have a therapeutic value in many clinical situations, more longitudinal studies are warranted to examine the intermanual transfer effects of functional gain in different clinical conditions, such as stroke, parkinsonism, rheumatoid arthritis, and so on.

Development of a Wearable Glove System with Multiple Sensors for Hand Kinematics Assessment.

In traditional hand function assessment, patients and physicians always need to accomplish complex activities and rating tasks. This paper proposes a novel wearable glove system for hand function assessment. A sensing system consisting of 12 nine-axis inertial and magnetic unit (IMMU) sensors is used to obtain the acceleration, angular velocity, and geomagnetic orientation of human hand movements. A complementary filter algorithm is applied to calculate the angles of joints after sensor calibration. A virtual hand model is also developed to map with the glove system in the Unity platform. The experimental results show that this glove system can capture and reproduce human hand motions with high accuracy. This smart glove system is expected to reduce the complexity and time consumption of hand kinematics assessment.

Satisfying Clinical and Functional Results in 12 Apert Children Treated With Soft Tissue Distractor.

The complex syndactyly in Apert syndrome hands is challenging to operate. The synostosis and tightness of skin between third and fourth digits lead to severe coverage problems during ray release. A soft tissue distractor can simplify the release with the aim to keep all 10 fingers. A retrospective follow-up of 12 patients/24 hands, median age 8 years (6 to 17 y), 6 boys and 6 girls, operated between 2000 and 2013 was done from 2015 to 2016. The surgical management started with syndactyly release of the first and fourth web, and later of the second. The third stage was placing a soft tissue distractor on the third and fourth finger after osteotomy on the synostosis between them. Four weeks of distraction and 2 weeks of rest resulted in regenerated skin between the digits giving much better coverage of the released digits at time of separation 6 weeks later. Assessment of hand function, grip strength and completion of the Patient Reported Outcome Measure CHEQ was performed. Soft tissue coverage at the time of digit separation was considerably facilitated. We experienced 2 infections in 2 hands. In 18/24 hands median 2 (1 to 3) small full thickness skin grafts were needed, usually for coverage of the base of the digits. All wounds healed well. The children managed different practical tasks well, alternating between best functioning grip depending on the activity. According to CHEQ, the children did median 19 (13 to 27) activities independently and median 8 (2 to 15) nonindependently, of a total of 29. Peak strength values for 10/12 children were for the right hand median 17.8% (9.6% to 40.6%) of normative data and for left hand median 13.6% (2.4% to 20.5%) of normative data. Soft tissue distraction facilitates the treatment of acrocephalosyndactyly hands, giving 5-fingered hands. Apert children manage many activities independently but struggled with fine motor skills demanding strength. Level IV evidence.

Evaluation of Optical and Radar Based Motion Capturing Technologies for Characterizing Hand Movement in Rheumatoid Arthritis-A Pilot Study.

In light of the state-of-the-art treatment options for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a detailed and early quantification and detection of impaired hand function is desirable to allow personalized treatment regiments and amend currently used subjective patient reported outcome measures. This is the motivation to apply and adapt modern measurement technologies to quantify, assess and analyze human hand movement using a marker-based optoelectronic measurement system (OMS), which has been widely used to measure human motion. We complement these recordings with data from markerless (Doppler radar) sensors and data from both sensor technologies are integrated with clinical outcomes of hand function. The technologies are leveraged to identify hand movement characteristics in RA affected patients in comparison to healthy control subjects, while performing functional tests, such as the Moberg-Picking-Up Test. The results presented discuss the experimental framework and present the limiting factors imposed by the use of marker-based measurements on hand function. The comparison of simple finger motion data, collected by the OMS, to data recorded by a simple continuous wave radar suggests that radar is a promising option for the objective assessment of hand function. Overall, the broad scope of integrating two measurement technologies with traditional clinical tests shows promising potential for developing new pathways in understanding of the role of functional outcomes for the RA pathology.

Clinical, electrophysiological, and ultrasound evaluation for early detection of musculoskeletal hand disorders and nerve entrapment in mobile phone users

IntroductionSmartphone overuse may lead to musculoskeletal manifestations, such as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and arthritis of hand joints, with an increased median nerve cross-sectional area (CSA). ObjectiveThe aim of this study is the early detection of musculoskeletal hand disorders using ultrasound techniques, and to detect nerve entrapment using clinical evaluation, ultrasound, and electrophysiological studies, in university employees younger than 35 years using mobile phones. Function is assessed using the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ). Materials and methodsCross-sectional controlled study included 74 smartphone users classified into two groups according to a smartphone addiction scale (SAS), into high and low smart phone users, with 35 non-smartphone users with matched age and gender as a control group. A clinical assessment of nerve entrapment symptoms was performed, and the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ), with a total score from 0 to100, was used to assess hand function. Electrodiagnostic studies of median and ulnar nerves were used to detect early nerve entrapment. Bilateral ultrasound was performed in order to assess the median nerve CSA and involvement of thumb and small hand joints. The data collected were analysed using the SPSS program version 20. ResultsCSAs of median nerves were significantly higher in the dominant hand of high smartphone users than in low and non-smartphone users (p<0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between CSA and SAS (r=0.45), visual analogue scale (VAS) (r=0.61), and duration of smartphone use (r=0.80), with negative correlation with MHQ (r=−0.63). Significant differences in were found in the electrophysiological studies of median and ulnar nerves. The mean ultrasound score for both hands was higher in the high smartphone users compared to low smartphone users (15.08±4.17 vs. 6.46±1.38, p<.001). ConclusionsThere is increased median nerve CSAs among high smartphone users associated with prolongation of both sensory and motor latencies and slow conduction velocities. Caution should be exercised when using mobile phones, in order to minimise the risk of developing hand musculoskeletal disorders.

Rehabilitation following surgery for flexor tendon injuries of the hand.

Rehabilitation following surgery for flexor tendon injuries of the hand.

BEAGLE-A Kinematic Sensory System for Objective Hand Function Assessment in Technology-Mediated Rehabilitation.

We present a hand functions assessment system (BEAGLE) for kinematic tracking of hand and finger movements, envisioned as a technology-mediated rehabilitation tool. The system is custom-designed for fast and easy placement on an impaired hand (spastic or flaccid), featuring inertial sensors integrated into simple finger caps and a hand strap. An algorithm for a range of motion (ROM) estimation was implemented to provide an objective assessment of hand functions. The efficacy and feasibility of the BEAGLE system were examined in a pilot clinical study performed with ten stroke survivors in the subacute phase. Participants received therapy within two consecutive intensity-matched rehabilitation cycles. The first consisted of conventional therapy, while the second involved a combination of conventional therapy and advanced functional electrical stimulation. Assessments were performed before and after each phase. These included BEAGLE estimates of active voluntary ROM for wrist and various digits, as well as two referent clinical measures for hand functions assessment, Fugl-Meyer and Action Research Arm Test. The results indicate that the ROM assessments can detect change with sensitivity comparable to the standardized clinical scales. Statistically significant changes between the beginning and the end of the second cycle existed in all observed measures, whereas none of these measurements showed a statistically significant improvement in the first therapy cycle. The noted usability metrics indicate that the BEAGLE could be integrated into the rehabilitation workflow in a clinical environment.

Effect of Resisted Bimanual Therapy With Auditory Cues on Arm Function, Balance, and Endurance in Stroke Survivors: A Pilot Study

Objectives: Upper limb motor impairment causes limited activities of daily living in stroke survivors. Bimanual therapy is based on Bimanual movement that facilitates cortical balancing by simultaneous movement of paretic and non-paretic arms while performing a task. Studies aimed at exploring the effects of resisted Bimanual therapy with rhythmic auditory cues on arm function, balance, and endurance in stroke survivors. Methods: A pilot study was commenced after the institutional ethical committee approval. Twenty stroke survivors were randomly allocated into two treatment groups; Group A received conventional therapy along with resisted bimanual therapy with rhythmic auditory cues and group B received only conventional therapy. All patients received 14 treatment sessions within three weeks. Each session lasted for 45-60 minutes. The outcome measures used to assess hand function, trunk function, balance, gait, and endurance were Wolf Motor Function (WMFT), Trunk Impact Scale (TIS), Berg’s Balance Scale (BBS), Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), and Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT), respectively. Results: Pre-post-analysis in resisted bimanual therapy with rhythmic auditory cues showed statistically significant difference in WMFT (P=0.005), TIS (P=0.005), BBS (P=0.005), DGI (P=0.008), and 6MWT (P=0.003). Pre-post-analysis in conventional therapy showed statistically significant difference in WMFT (P=0.005), TIS (P=0.016), and BBS (P=0.014). Inter-group analysis of mean difference between resisted bimanual therapy with rhythmic auditory cues and conventional showed statistically significance difference in WMFT (P=0.037), TIS (P=0.003), BBS (P=0.0001), and DGI (P=0.004). Discussion: Although both groups showed improvement individually in arm function, balance, and functional capacity among stroke survivors, resisted bimanual therapy with rhythmic auditory cues showed better improvement than conventional therapy in all three components: arm function, balance, and functional capacity in stroke survivors.

Associations between Cognition and Hand Function in Older People Diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment or Dementia

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to examine the associations between different cognitive domains and hand function in older people diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia. Methods: This study is cross-sectional, including 98 community-living older people aged ≥65 years with MCI or dementia. Assessments of hand function included grip strength, the Finger Tapping Test, and the Grooved Pegboard. Cognitive assessments were the Mini-Mental State Examination, the Clock Drawing Test, and Trail Making Tests A and B, as well as a 10-word List Learning Test. Statistical analyses were based on descriptive statistics and univariable and multivariable analyses. Results: Sixty participants were diagnosed with MCI and 38 were diagnosed with dementia. The mean age was 78.8 years (SD 7.4). Analyses of hand function, cognitive tests, and demographic factors showed an association between cognitive tests, in particular executive function (EF), and hand function. Conclusions: The findings indicated an association between physical and cognitive function. Among the cognitive domains, declines in EF were most related to a reduced physical function.

Value of musculoskeletal ultrasound in assessment of rheumatoid hand function

BackgroundMusculoskeletal ultrasound can be now considered a complement to physical examination in rheumatoid arthritis. This study evaluates the role of musculoskeletal ultrasound in assessment of rheumatoid hand function and underlying functional defects and disabilities in order to find out a possibly better tool for assessment.ResultsHand grip weakness was significantly associated with metacarpophalangeal joints synovitis of ulnar 4 fingers (p = 0.045), wrist joint synovitis (p = 0.009), flexor tendons tenosynovitis of the ulnar 4 fingers (p = 0.001), flexor pollicis longus tendon tenosynovitis (p = 0.013).Hand function impairment by grip ability test was significantly associated with metacarpophalangeal joints synovitis of ulnar 4 fingers (p = 0.009), wrist joint synovitis (p = 0.004), and flexor tendons tenosynovitis of the ulnar 4 fingers (p = 0.042). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the most influencing factor affecting grip ability test and hand grip strength was ulnar 4 Flexor tendons tenosynovitis (P = 0.023, P = 0.037) respectively.ConclusionsJoint synovitis and tenosynovitis that are detected by musculoskeletal ultrasound can be used as an assessment tool for hand function in rheumatoid arthritis, since they are associated with reduced hand grip strength and impaired hand ability.

An Automatic Rehabilitation Assessment System for Hand Function Based on Leap Motion and Ensemble Learning

For stroke patients, hand function assessment is an important part of the hand rehabilitation process. The hand function assessment, however, requires the patient to complete a series of actions under the guidance of the therapist who then scores the patient’s performance. This type of assessment is both time-consuming and highly subjective. Therefore, in order to achieve a fast, objective and accurate assessment, this paper adopts a non-contact infrared imaging device, Leap Motion, to measure the patient’s motion information and then uses these motion information to infer the hand’s rehabilitation level. This paper improves the traditional way of hand function assessment from the following aspects. Only three coherent movements (finger opposition, lift wrist and stretch fingers) are required to complete the assessment, which makes the assessment time shorter and the assessment process easier. At the same time, an assessment algorithm based on the Ensemble Learning is proposed and integrated into the automatic hand function assessment system. In addition, the virtual reality game has been implemented in the assessment system to ensure a satisfactory interaction with patients, which makes the assessment process more interesting and convenient. Using this system, 50 stroke patients underwent clinical trials with the Brunnstrom and Fugl-Meyer assessment scales. The matching rate between the automatic assessment result and the manual Brunnstrom assessment result is 92%, while the matching rate with the Fugl-Meyer assessment result is 82%. Furthermore, Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test and Kappa test are also used to validate the consistency between the automatic assessment results and the manual assessment results. These experiments illustrate that this automatic assessment system is fast, comfortable and reliable.

Association of Clinical Assessments of Hand Function and Quantitative Ultrasound Metrics in First Carpometacarpal Osteoarthritis.

Thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) osteoarthritis (OA), a degenerative condition affecting hand use, is typically evaluated through radiographs and clinical examination. Although this can determine treatment, it is difficult to evaluate functional limitations. Shear wave elastography (SWE) is a quantitative ultrasound technique that characterizes tissue stiffness. This pilot study aimed to establish data of the SWE findings in the thenar eminence muscles in patients with first CMC OA and correlate these findings with the clinical tests of hand function. This cross-sectional study correlated the SWE stiffness of thenar eminence muscles to clinical tests of hand function in patients with first CMC OA and in asymptomatic control subjects, using Spearman's correlation coefficient. Mean SWE values of the thenar eminence muscles in patients were compared with those in control subjects. The study was performed in a non-profit tertiary care hospital setting. Patients and control subjects were recruited on a volunteer basis. SWE values in the abductor pollicis brevis and flexor pollicis brevis muscles showed moderate to very strong correlation with multiple measures of hand function. Mean SWE values of the thenar eminence muscles in first CMC OA patients were lower than those in asymptomatic control subjects. Correlations between mean SWE values in the thenar eminence muscles and clinical measures of hand function suggest decreased function in subjects with less stiff thenar eminence muscles.

Functional tests assessing manual skills in children with cerebral palsy

Background&#x0D; The aim of the study is to analyze and identify available functional tests assessing manual skills in children with cerebral palsy, as well as to describe and evaluate usefulness of the available tests in terms of qualitative and quantitative assessment of hand function.&#x0D; Materials and methods &#x0D; A review of all available functional scales assessing manual functions in children with cerebral palsy was conducted. Searches were made in the following electronic databases: Medline, PubMed and Cochrane Library. The analysis included all the researched scales related to the upper limb function and cerebral palsy.&#x0D; Results&#x0D; The content, methodology and application of 11 functional tests were compared. All available published research studies presented the reliability and validity of the assessment tools.&#x0D; Conclusions&#x0D; Scales used to assess manual functions in children with CP are to systemize child's abilities to complement the diagnosis, detect existing dysfunctions and to determine prognostic significance.