Assessment Of Hand Function Research Articles

Text Network-Based Method for Measuring Hand Functions in Degenerative Brain Disease Patients

In this study, we collected various past study results on tools and analytical methods for measuring hand functions of patients with degenerative brain diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease and stroke, and selected and proposed appropriate hand function measurement tools, methods, and analysis software based on text network analysis. We searched the literatures using keywords related to degenerative brain disease and stroke patients for participant types, use of devices and sensors for the intervention types, and hand function assessment for measurement types. Among the 2484 literatures collected, 19 were eventually selected based on certain inclusion and exclusion criteria. As a result of text network analysis, the degree-centrality and the betweenness centrality were the highest in the keyword of Parkinson’s disease for the participant type, force sensor for the intervention type, and finger tapping for the measurement type. Based on these results, pinch gloves comprising an FSR sensor were manufactured, and software and contents were implemented to measure and analyze various quantitative parameter values during finger tapping. The software can evaluate endurance and agility by measuring the finger-tapping intensity and operation time using the index finger and thumb. The contents can evaluate the stability of hand functions by analyzing the coefficient of variation of the tapping interval, the average contact time, and the accuracy of hand functions by analyzing the reaction rate to the presented visual stimulus. As a result of comparing hand functions through 10 types of analysis parameters with a sample of 12 ordinary subjects (8 men and 4 women) using the manufactured pinch gloves, there was a difference between the two genders in the items evaluating muscle strength and agility, and a significant difference in the analysis parameters evaluating stability and accuracy. The results indicate that using the text network analysis-based hand function measurement tool and the method proposed in this study should help derive the objective research results as well as a quantitative comparison of research results of various researchers.

Assessment of Flap Viability and Post-operative Hand Function After Resurfacing of Acute Soft Tissue Injury onthe Palm of Hand byGroin Flap and Reverse Pedicled RadialForearm Flap

Background: Many flaps have been described and used for coverage of various soft tissue defects of hand, which can be regional or distant. Objective: In this study main goal is to evaluate the assessment of flap viability and post-operative hand function by Total Active Motion (TAM) and Hand grip strength. Method: This was a comparative observational study, conducted at department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Burn and Plastic surgery in Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital (SOMCH) from January 2018 to October, 2019. A total of 16 patients with acute hand injury or pathology in the palm which may create surgical wound, admitted in the study place during the study period were the study population. Where those who had Acute wound in palm with exposed tendon, nerve and bones or degloving hand injury were included in the study. Patient were divided into two group namely Group-A and Group-B. Patient chosen for groin flap were allocated in group-A and for reverse pedicled radial forearm flap were in group-B. Results: During the study, complete flap survival was 100% in both group A and B. At all the follow-ups hand grip strength was more in group B and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05, obtained by unpaired t-test). At final follow-up (12 weeks) hand grip strength was 22.38 (SD±5.26) kg in Group A and 30.13 (SD±10.15) kg in Group B.There is no(0.0%) excellent result of index and middle finger in group A patient compared to 3 (37.5%) and 6 (75.0%) patients respectively in group B. Ingroup A3 patient had excellent outcome in ring fingercompared to 7 (87.5%) patients in group B. Majority (87.5%) patient‘s little finger was excellent in group A and 8(100.0%) in group B.The difference of index finger and middle finger were statistically significant between groups (p<0.05 obtained by Fisher Exact test). Conclusion: From this study we can say that, both the handgrip strength and TAM score was better in patients who underwent radial forearm flap and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). It is concluded that reverse pedicled radial forearm flap has better outcome regarding flap viability and post-operative hand function than groin flap.

THE EFFECTS OF A HAND-BASED HOME-TRAINING PROGRAM ON FINE FORCE PERCEPTION IN OLDER ADULTS

Abstract The ability to use and manipulate the hands is essential for completing daily activities such as dressing, food preparation, and medication adherence, but declines with age. Assessments of hand function typically include measures of maximum strength despite our recent findings that fine force control may be more indicative of function than strength. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a hand-based intervention on improving various aspects of hand function in older adults. Eleven older adults (mean age: 77±6.8y, 7 females) completed a 6-week home-based training program consisting of a series of sensorimotor tasks. Hand assessments included tactile sensation, dexterity, maximum grip and pinch strength, and fine force control using a pinch force matching paradigm. In the fine force task, participants were given a reference force (25% MVC) and were instructed to match the force without visual feedback using either the same (ipsilateral) or opposite (contralateral) hand as the reference force. After the training program, older adults displayed a 35% reduction (p < 0.01) in matching error during the contralateral fine force control task. Additionally, both tactile sensation and dexterity showed improvements in the dominant hand (p < 0.05). No differences were observed in maximum pinch or grip strength. We observed improvements in fine force control, tactile sensibility, and dexterity, all of which contribute to hand function needed for daily activities, as a result of the home-based intervention. These results underscore the importance of measuring different aspects of hand function and the need for additional hand-based interventions in the aging population.

Application of Multi-Dimensional Intelligent Visual Quantitative Assessment System to Evaluate Hand Function Rehabilitation in Stroke Patients.

Hand dysfunction is one of the main symptoms of stroke patients, but there is still a lack of accurate hand function assessment systems. This study focused on the application of the multi-dimensional intelligent visual quantitative assessment system (MDIVQAS) in the rehabilitation assessment of hand function in stroke patients and evaluate hand function rehabilitation in stroke patients. Eighty-two patients with stroke and unilateral hand dysfunction were evaluated by MDIVQAS. Cronbach's Alpha coefficient was used to assess the internal consistency of MDIVQAS; the F-test is used to assess the differences in MDIVQAS for multiple repeated measures. Spearman's analysis was used to identify correlations of MDIVQAS with other assessment systems. t-tests were used to identify differences in outcomes assessed with MDIVQAS in patients before and after treatment. p < 0.05 were considered significant. (1) Cronbach's Alpha coefficient of MDIVQAS in evaluating hand's function > 0.9. (2) There was no significant difference between the other repeated measurements, except for thumb rotation in MDIVQAS. (3) MDIVQAS had a significant correlation with other assessment systems (r > 0.5, p < 0.01). (4) There were significant differences in the evaluation of hand function in patients before and after treatment using MDIVQAS. The MDIVQAS system has good reliability and validity in the evaluation of stroke hand function, and it can also better evaluate the treatment effect.

Efficacy of Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion for Female Patients with Hirayama Disease

To compare the preoperative and postoperative hand function and radiographic parameters in female patients with HD. Consecutive female patients with HD undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion were followed-up. The postoperative hand functional data were obtained from the last follow-up, while the postoperative radiographic data were obtained from the examinations in 3- or 6-month follow-up after surgical treatments. The preoperative and postoperative data of hand functional and radiographic assessments were collected and compared between them. Logistic regression analysis was used to clear potential risk factors for surgical treatment. In all, 15 female patients with HD were included in the follow-up study over 9 years. Significant differences were found in total scores (P<0.001) and all five dimensions, including function (P=0.003), activities of daily life (P=0.002), work (P=0.003), satisfaction (P=0.002), appearance (P=0.005), and HD-specific hand symptoms (P=0.001) in hand functional assessment. The comparison of C2-7 Cobb angle was statistically different (P=0.042) in radiographic assessments. The course of illness was of marginal significance (P=0.065) with curative effect of surgical treatment in logistic regression analysis. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion was an effective way to treat female patients with HD, and the course of illness may be correlated with the efficacy of surgery. For some female patients with HD with a clear diagnosis, early surgical treatment is worthy of clinical consideration.

A Retrospective Clinical Study of Endoscopic Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome using the Modified Soft Tissue Release kit.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral entrapment neuropathy, and endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) is one of the minimally invasive procedures for the treatment of CTS. Based on the shortcomings of ECTR, we designed the "Modified Soft Tissue Release Kit" to assist the endoscopic operation. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of endoscopic treatment of CTS using this kit. This retrospective review included 57 patients (86 wrists) who underwent ECTR using the "Modified Soft Tissue Release Kit" at our department between January 2017 and August 2019. Three scale scores (i.e., Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand [QDASH]; Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire [BCTSQ]: symptom severity [BCTSQ-SS] and functional status [BCTSQ-FS]) were recorded to assess hand function and symptoms preoperatively, 1 month postoperatively, 3 months postoperatively, and at the last follow-up. We also asked patients to answer a satisfaction question during follow-up. Pre- and post-operation scores were compared using paired Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Spearman's rank-order correlation was used to evaluate the relationship between scale scores and patient satisfaction. A total of 55 patients (83 wrists) were followed up, with an average follow-up of 27.2 ± 9.3 months. The median preoperative QDASH score was 45.5; the scores at 1 month postoperatively, 3 months postoperatively, and the last follow-up were 4.5, 0, and 0, respectively, with a significant decrease noted compared with the preoperative scores (P < 0.001). The median preoperative BCTSQ-SS and BCTSQ-FS scores were 3.3 and 2.8, respectively; the scores at 1 month postoperatively, 3 months postoperatively, and the last follow-up were 1.2, 1.0, and 1.0, and 1.1, 1.0, and 1.0, respectively, all of which decreased significantly compared with the preoperative scores (P < 0.001). The incidence of nerve injury was 0. The incidence of pillar pain was 0 at the last follow-up. One patient showed no improvement in hand symptoms and function postoperatively, and two patients showed long-term recurrence despite postoperative symptom remission. Approximately 94.5% (52/55) of the patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the outcome. ECTR with the "Modified Soft Tissue Release Kit" can significantly relieve symptoms and improve function in patients with CTS, with significant short- and mid-term efficacy and high safety.

PoRi device: portable hand assessment and rehabilitation after stroke

Abstract Frequent rehabilitation exercises can accelerate the recovery of patient’s hand impairments after stroke. In conjunction with conventional therapy, the use of robot-assisted training has been proposed to increase the frequency of the latter, thus improving the overall recovery of patients. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has reduced or even halted related programs in clinical rehabilitation centers that often utilize costly, complex, and non-transportable robotic devices. A possible therapy alternative is using low-cost in-home solutions which integrate well in home-based settings due to reduced size, weight, and complexity. Therefore, we propose a new portable hand training and assessment device which supports hand opening/closing and wrist exercises. The device also enables tasks related to the identification of vibration stimuli to be used both for training as well as for assessment of sensory-motor hand function of patients. To this end, a cable-driven capstan transmission mechanism, a controller to regulate the extension angle, and touch pads equipped with vibration motors were designed and integrated into a hand-held device. Initial user studies indicate that the prototype can support stroke patients in extending their fingers. In further experiments targeting the identification of vibration stimuli, assessment results comparable with those obtained via a standard clinical somatosensory assessment test were achieved. Given these initial findings, our low-cost system shows the potential to allow in-home rehabilitation exercises in daily life, thus maximizing exposure and frequency, even during a forced lockdown caused by a pandemic.

The effect of a thumb web spacer splint on hand function in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy

ObjectiveMany children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (HCP) cannot maintain thumb abduction and experience obstruction caused by the thumb remaining in the palm. A web spacer splint maintains the thumb web space and opposition of the thumb for a more functional position. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of a thumb web spacer as a functional splint on hand function in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. MethodsThirty children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (ages 4–7 years) were randomly divided into two groups (a control group and a study group). The treatment program for the control group was administered for 45 min three times/week for 8 successive weeks and the study group underwent the identical treatment regimen as the control group, as well as wearing a web spacer splint during the treatment program. Thereafter, the Peabody Developmental Motor Scale (PDMS-2) was used to assess hand function. ResultsPost-treatment values in the study group demonstrated a substantial improvement in grasping and visual motor integration in the PDMS-2 when compared to the control group. Therefore, there was a significant improvement in total fine motor quotient when compared post-treatment (86.93 ± 8.94, 145.73 ± 15.04) in the control and study groups, respectively (p > 0.05). ConclusionA web spacer splint can be a viable tool for improving hand function in children with HCP.

Feasibility of home hand rehabilitation using musicglove after chronic spinal cord injury

Study designRandomized, controlled single-blind cross over study. This study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02473614).ObjectivesExamine usership patterns and feasibility of MusicGlove for at home hand rehabilitation therapy following chronic spinal cord injury.SettingHomes of participants.MethodsTen participants with chronic spinal cord injury completed two baseline assessments of hand function. After a stable baseline was determined all participants were randomized into two groups: Experimental and Control. Each group was given a recommended therapy dosage. Following this participants switched interventions.ResultsOn average participants had higher levels of compliance (6.1 ± 3.5 h.), and completed more grips (15,760 ± 9,590 grips) compared to participants in previous stroke studies using the same device. Participants modulated game parameters in a manner consistent with optimal challenge principles from motor learning theory. Participants in the experimental group increased their prehension ability (1 ± 1.4 MusicGlove, 0.2 ± 0.5 Control) and performance (1.4 ± 2.2 MusicGlove, 0.4 ± 0.55 Control) on the Graded and Redefined Assessment of Strength, Sensibility, and Prehension subtests. Increases in performance on the Box and Blocks Test also favored the experimental group compared to the conventional group at the end of therapy (4.2 ± 5.9, −1.0 ± 3.4 respectively).ConclusionsMusicGlove is a feasible option for hand therapy in the home-setting for individuals with chronic SCI. Participants completed nearly twice as many gripping movements compared to individuals from the sub-acute and chronic stroke populations, and a number far greater than the number of movements typically achieved during traditional rehabilitation.

Experiences of occupational therapy clinicians on the assessment and evaluation of adult handgrip strength

Introduction: Handgrip strength (HGS) is commonly measured to assess hand function, however, little is known about how and why occupational therapists assess and interpret HGS. This study aimed to explore the experiences of occupational therapists who work with HGS. Additionally, the study explored what biological and functional factors occupational therapists believe influence adult HGS. Method: A qualitative study design utilising purposive sampling identified occupational therapy clinicians within Queensland, Australia who assess HGS. Data were collected from 19 participants using a semi-structured interview process. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Variations of the American Society of Hand Therapists HGS testing procedure were used by the participants based on experience. When evaluating HGS, comparison to normative data was not always completed or seen to be valuable. Biological and functional factors such as height, hand length, occupation and lifestyle factors were considered to influence HGS. Conclusion: The results of this study provide insight into the various ways occupational therapists assess and evaluate HGS according to experience and practice context. These variations in assessment and evaluation of HGS along with the influence of an individual’s biological and functional factors need to be considered when interpreting HGS results.

Assessment of Rheumatoid Hand Function as a Characteristic Feature of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Patients Treated with Methotrexate or Methotrexate with Biological Agents with or without Deformation of Hands.

The hand is an excellent work tool that provides the functional ability to mechanical work. The hand is affected in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, it is a significant problem in the functional sphere as a result of deformities, the grasping function limitation and muscle strength. The aim of the study was the assessment of grip strength, endurance and manipulation abilities of rheumatoid hands with or without deformities treated with methotrexate (MTX) or MTX plus biologics (MTX+BIO). The study involved 80 RA women, (40 received MTX+BIO, 40 MTX), treated at the Rheumatology Department of the Central Clinical Hospital of Interior Affairs in Warsaw. VASpain, DAS28, SDAI, HAQ, HAQ hands, estimation of hand grip strength, endurance, and manipulation ability were analyzed. In group MTX+BIO, values of DAS28 (3.7±1.3 vs. 4.3±1.2, p=0.019), HAQ (0.72 ± 0.57 vs. 1.08± 0.87, p=0.011) and HAQ-hand (0.85±0.65 vs. 1.19±0.68, p=0.024) were statistically lower than in MTX group. Hand deformations were recorded in 35 (43.7%) cases, 16 (40%) in MTX group, 19 (47.5%) in MTX+BIO. Comparison of grip strength, endurance, and manipulation ability showed better results in MTX+BIO group with deformities (significance level from 0.013 to 0.046) than in MTX group. Relative differences in hand function in MTX + BIO group ranged from 10.8% (maximal power grip strength) to 127.6% (minimal hand endurance), after disease duration adjustment - from 28.2% (maximal power grip strength) to 148.4% (minimal hand endurance). Measuring grip strength, hand endurance, manipulation abilities are useful in RA patients with hand deformities.

Is maximum grip strength a reliable predictor of hand limitations among older adults?

Grip strength is commonly used to assess hand function among older adults. While shown to be associated with disability, the degree to which grip strength specifically predicts hand limitations is unknown. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate grip strength as a predictor of hand limitations. Using the 2011-14 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), we classified older adults reporting one or more hand limitations versus those with no limitations. Odds ratios were used to assess the association between grip strength (separated into quartiles) and the likelihood of a hand limitation while controlling for sex, race/ethnicity, education level, income, and pain. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the degree to which grip strength discriminates between older adults with and without a hand limitation. We identified 2064 older adults (age ≥ 65), 31% of whom reported a hand-related limitation. Older adults with very low grip strength (weakest quartile) were more likely to report at least one limitation (OR: 6.1, 95% CI: 3.2, 11.8) than those with high grip strength (strongest quartile). However, grip strength had poor to moderate discrimination of hand limitations (ROC area under curves: 0.65-0.81). While self-reported hand limitations were associated with lower grip strength; overall, it is a relatively poor predictor of hand impairments among older adults. Better assessments are needed to adequately evaluate upper extremity impairments to help older adults maintain functional independence.

Measuring Hand Use in the Home after Cervical Spinal Cord Injury Using Egocentric Video.

Egocentric video has recently emerged as a potential solution for monitoring hand function in individuals living with tetraplegia in the community, especially for its ability to detect functional use in the home environment. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a wearable vision-based system for measuring hand use in the home among individuals living with tetraplegia. Several deep learning algorithms for detecting functional hand-object interactions were developed and compared. The most accurate algorithm was used to extract measures of hand function from 65 h of unscripted video recorded at home by 20 participants with tetraplegia. These measures were: the percentage of interaction time over total recording time (Perc); the average duration of individual interactions (Dur); and the number of interactions per hour (Num). To demonstrate the clinical validity of the technology, egocentric measures were correlated with validated clinical assessments of hand function and independence (Graded Redefined Assessment of Strength, Sensibility and Prehension [GRASSP], Upper Extremity Motor Score [UEMS], and Spinal Cord Independent Measure [SCIM]). Hand-object interactions were automatically detected with a median F1-score of 0.80 (0.67-0.87). Our results demonstrated that higher UEMS and better prehension were related to greater time spent interacting, whereas higher SCIM and better hand sensation resulted in a higher number of interactions performed during the egocentric video recordings. For the first time, measures of hand function automatically estimated in an unconstrained environment in individuals with tetraplegia have been validated against internationally accepted measures of hand function. Future work will necessitate a formal evaluation of the reliability and responsiveness of the egocentric-based performance measures for hand use.

Novel Use of the Wide-Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet Technique for Release of Spastic Upper Limbs

Wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet procedures allow the patient to remain conscious and cooperative during surgery, allowing intraoperative assessments of hand function. This is useful in spastic hand surgeries, allowing an instant assessment of the muscle releases and residual power, thus guiding an optimal balance with the best possible functional outcomes. We describe the novel use of wide-awake, local anesthesia, no tourniquet surgery in spastic upper-limb surgery in forearm flexor-pronator release, thumb-in-palm and intrinsic-plus deformity correction, and elbow flexor release.

Non-motorised Rehabilitation Device for Performance Assessment in Upper Limb Stroke Rehabilitation: A Pilot Study

Stroke patients with upper limb disability restricted to carry out their activities of daily living. The patient needs a motivation to recover from a stroke and the patient also needs to go through a rehabilitation process at the same time. The conventional rehabilitation process scoring systems are always subjective, lack reliability and relies heavily on the ability of the trained physiotherapist that providing only rough estimates on motor function. On the other hand, robot-based assessments are objective, repeatable, and could potentially reduce the assessment time. Therefore, a simple non-motorized device was developed as a tool to objectively assess hand function of stroke patients. This study was carried out to investigate the suitability of using thedeveloped device with stroke patient populations and to evaluate the performance of clinical scores prediction of the stroke patients. A total of five patients with upper limb disability following stroke consented to take part in this study. Twelve predictive variables were investigated, relating to the total movement time, velocity, strategy, accuracy, and smoothness from three robotic assessment modules which are Draw I, Draw Diamond and Draw Circle. The hardware for measuring elbow angle hasbeen developed to measurethe shoulder movement performedby patient during the assessment process. In addition to that, the shoulder movement calculation method has been proposed and validated.The findings indicatethat the performance of prediction for all assessment modules hasbeen increased after implementing the shoulder movement calculation. It is recommended this calculation method to be used in conjunction with kinematic variables to carry out the data acquisition process in the future for improvement of effectiveness and accuracy of the robotic assessment.

International Hand Function Study Following Distal Radial Access: The RATATOUILLE Study.

Distal radial access (DRA) has been proposed to improve procedure ergonomics and favor radial arterypatency. Although promising data, nothing is known on evolving hand function after DRA. This study sought to comprehensively evaluate hand function in patients undergoing DRA. Real-world patients undergoing DRA undertook a thorough multimodality assessment of hand function implementing multidomain questionnaires (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand and Levine-Katz), and motor (pinch grip test) and sensory (Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments test) examinations of both hands. All assessments were performed at preprocedural baseline and planned at 1-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up (FU). Adverse clinical and procedural events were documented too. Data of 313 patients (220 men, age 66 ± 10 years) from 9 international centers were analyzed. The Disabilities ofthe Arm, Shoulder and Hand and the Levine-Katz scores slightly improved from baseline to FU (P = 0.008 and P=0.029, respectively). Pinch strength mildly improved from baseline to FU (P< 0.001 for both the left and right hands). Similarly, touch pressure threshold appeared to faintly improve in both the left and right hands (P< 0.012 for all the sites). For both motor and sensory function tests, comparable findings were found for the DRA hand and the contralateral one, with no significant differences between them. Repeated assessment of all tests over all FU time points similarly showed lack of worsening hand function. Access-related adverse events included 19 harmless bleedings and 3forearm radial artery and 3 distal radial artery occlusions. None affected hand function at FU. In a systematic multidimensional assessment, DRA was not associated with hand function impairment. Moreover, DRA emerges as a safe alternative vascular access.

Short and Long-term Effects of Mobilization with Movement and Eccentric Overload to Hand Pain and Function in the Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis

Aim. To determine and compare short and long-term effects of mobilization with movement and eccentric overload to hand pain and function in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis.&#x0D; Problem of research &amp; hypothesis. The eccentric overload exercises are one of the best methods in tendinopathy treatment. Mobilization with movement is largely used as an effective treatment method for lateral epicondylitis. Only the short-term effects of these methods in lateral epicondylitis are often evaluated, but no studies were found to use these methods in combination and to evaluate their long-term effects.&#x0D; Methods. The study included individuals (n=30) aged 30–54 years who had been diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis. Subjects were tested by assessing their perceived pain using the visual analogue scale (VAS); handgrip strength was assessed by a dynamometer. The QuickDASH questionnaire was used to assess hand function and perceived disability.&#x0D; Subjects were randomly divided into three groups: mobilization with movement group (n=10), eccentric overload group (n=10), and combined group (combined mobilization with movement and eccentric overload exercises) (n=10). All subjects got 10 physiotherapy procedures, short-term effect evaluated after 10 procedures of physiotherapy, long-term effect evaluated after 2, 6 and 12 weeks post treatment course.&#x0D; Results. Study results revealed that all treatment methods had a significant (p&lt;0.05) effect on pain reduction, increase in handgrip strength as well as improvement in hand function and disability.&#x0D; In follow-up assessments at 2, 6 and 12 weeks after the treatment, the most altered indicators of pain intensity, pain-free handgrip strength and hand function were seen in the mobilization with movement group.&#x0D; Conclusions. An application of mobilization with movement in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis had the greatest positive effect on pain intensity, maximum handgrip strength and hand function and disability compared to mobilization with movement combined with eccentric overload and eccentric overload exercises alone.&#x0D; Keywords: lateral epicondylitis, mobilization with movement, eccentric overload, pain intensity, hand pain-free grip strength.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Reliability Testing of the Thai Version of the Brief Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire

Background: The brief Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (bMHQ), a 12-item questionnaire is a short and easy tool in assessing hand function. It measures hand in six domains including function, activities in daily living, work, pain, esthetics, and satisfaction. The original version is in English and has been translated into many languages. However, it has not yet been translated into the Thai language. Objective: To translate the bMHQ to the Thai language and to assess the reliability of the Thai version of the bMHQ in patients with hand problems. Materials and Methods: The present study translated and cross-culturally adapted the bMHQ following the Beaton’s Guidelines for the CrossCultural Adaptation Process. The reliability testing was evaluated in 35 patients with hand problems. Results: Twelve items of the bMHQ were translated into Thai without changing the main content of the question. The intraclass correlation coefficient of the test-retest reliability and Cronbach’s alpha were 0.94 and 0.97, respectively. Conclusion: The bMHQ was successfully translated into Thai language and had excellent reliability and internal consistency. Thus, the bMHQThai version is a reliable instrument for evaluating and tracking the hand functions of Thai patients. This questionnaire is easy to use and can be complete in a short time. Thus, it is useful to measure and monitor the hand functions in Thai patients. Keywords: Questionnaire; Translations; Hand injuries; Quality of life; Carpal tunnel syndrome

Quantitative Assessment of Hand Function in Healthy Subjects and Post-Stroke Patients with the Action Research Arm Test

The Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) can provide subjective results due to the difficulty assessing abnormal patterns in stroke patients. The aim of this study was to identify joint impairments and compensatory grasping strategies in stroke patients with left (LH) and right (RH) hemiparesis. An experimental study was carried out with 12 patients six months after a stroke (three women and nine men, mean age: 65.2 ± 9.3 years), and 25 healthy subjects (14 women and 11 men, mean age: 40.2 ± 18.1 years. The subjects were evaluated during the performance of the ARAT using a data glove. Stroke patients with LH and RH showed significantly lower flexion angles in the MCP joints of the Index and Middle fingers than the Control group. However, RH patients showed larger flexion angles in the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints of the Index, Middle, Ring, and Little fingers. In contrast, LH patients showed larger flexion angles in the PIP joints of the Middle and Little fingers. Therefore, the results showed that RH and LH patients used compensatory strategies involving increased flexion at the PIP joints for decreased flexion in the MCP joints. The integration of a data glove during the performance of the ARAT allows the detection of finger joint impairments in stroke patients that are not visible from ARAT scores. Therefore, the results presented are of clinical relevance.

FUNCTIONAL RESTORATION OF THE PARTIAL HAND AMPUTEE USING DIGITAL DISTRACTION LENGTHENING. A CASE SERIES STUDY.

FUNCTIONAL RESTORATION OF THE PARTIAL HAND AMPUTEE USING DIGITAL DISTRACTION LENGTHENING. A CASE SERIES STUDY.