Jamar Dynamometer Research Articles

Loss of radial height in extra-articular distal radial fracture following volar locking plate fixation

BackgroundRadial height is an important prognostic factor in treating distal radius fracture. However, does further collapse of radial height in distal radius fractures after with volar locking plate fixation have a great impact on the prognosis? The present study aimed to elucidate radial height loss and determine the associated risk factors after open reduction and internal fixation with volar locking plate in patients with extra-articular distal radius fractures. HypothesisPatients with radial height collapse after fracture reduction and internal fixation with a volar locking plate may have poor outcomes. MethodsData of 87 patients (21 male) undergoing surgery for acute extra-articular distal radius fractures (AO: 23-A2 or 23-A3) between February 2014 and July 2016 were evaluated retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups by radial height loss. Potential risk factors were tested by Pearson correlation coefficients. Stepwise multiple regression logistic analysis determined significant independent risk factors for extra-articular distal radius fractures. Clinical evaluation was performed by the same surgeon by determining wrist ROM. Grip strength was measured with a Jamar dynamometer and compared with non-affect wrist in percentage. In addition, all the patients were asked to grade modified Mayo wrist score and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score. These findings were recorded postoperative 1 year of follow-up. ResultsMean radial height loss was 1.3±0.9mm. Age (ß=0.002, p=0.003), postoperative ulnar-positive deformity (ß=0.107, p<0.001), DEXA (ß=−0.015, p=0.008), and shortest diameter of distal fracture fragment in AP and lateral views (ß=−0.050, p=0.037; ß=−0.080, p=0.043) were significantly associated with radial height loss. As for the outcome of clinical prognosis, though radial height collapse group had poorer wrist range of motion, there was no statistical difference. Besides, there were no significant differences in grips strength and VAS score between these two groups. However, in regards of modified Mayo wrist score, the percentage of patients with poor outcomes is significant higher in radial height collapse group (p=0.039). Moreover, all patients with poor outcomes in radial height collapse groups were older than 65-year-old. DiscussionRadial height loss is noted in patients undergoing open reduction and internal fixation with volar locking plate for extra-articular distal radius fractures. Risk factors for radial height collapse include advanced age, poor bone quality, shortest distance between fracture site and articular surface and postoperative ulnar-positive deformity. Level of evidenceIV; non-comparative prospective study.

Knee extension strength and handgrip strength are important predictors of Timed Up and Go test performance among community-dwelling elderly women: a cross-sectional study.

Handgrip and knee extension strengths have each been used to characterize disability. However, it has been reported that the association between handgrip and knee extension strengths is weak. To evaluate the influence of knee extensor and handgrip muscle strength on Timed Up and Go (TUG) test results among elderly women with worse (≥ 10 seconds) and better (< 10 seconds) performance, after controlling for confounders. Cross-sectional study on a sample selected according to convenience, carried out in a federal public institution of higher education. Assessment of handgrip was carried out using the Jamar dynamometer (Lafayette Instrument Company, Inc., Lafayette, United States). Knee extensor muscle performance was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex System 3 Pro; Biodex Medical Systems, Inc., United States), The confounding factors were education, age, comorbidities, body mass index and Geriatric Depression Scale and Human Activity Profile scores. Functional performance was assessed through the TUG test. A backward linear regression model was used. 127 elderly women performed the TUG test in more than 10 seconds and 93 in less than 10 seconds. However, regardless of test performance, handgrip strength and knee extension strength comprised the reduced final model. Knee extension strength and handgrip strength might be particularly useful indicators for measuring disability.

Association Between Body Mass Index and Functional Outcomes in Elderly Patients with Extra-articular Distal Radius Fracture: A Prospective Observational Study.

The association between body mass index (BMI) and functional outcomes is unknown in elderly individuals with distal radius fracture (DRF). The aim of this study is to evaluate if there is association between BMI and functional outcomes in patients older than 60years with DRF treated conservatively. A prospective observational study was performed. A total of 228 patients with extra-articular DRF were prospectively recruited. All patients were categorized by their BMI as normal, overweight, or obese. Functional outcomes were assessed after cast removal and at 1-year follow-up. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Outcome Measure (DASH), and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) questionnaires were used to assess upper limb and wrist/hand function, respectively, while the Jamar Dynamometer was used to assess grip strength. Of the total number of patients, 184 were female (80.7%), 87 were overweight (38.2%), and 111 were obese (48.7%). After cast removal, the correlations between BMI and functional outcomes were DASH 0.06 (p = 0.578), PRWE 0.04 (p = 0.692), and grip strength -0.02 (p = 0.763). At 1-year follow-up, the correlations were DASH 0.55 (p = 0.036), PRWE 0.32 (p = 0.041), and grip strength -0.21 (p = 0.043). This study suggests that at 1-year follow-up, there was a low-to-moderate association between BMI and poor functional outcomes in elderly patients with extra-articular DRF treated conservatively. Level IV, observational prospective study.

Analysis of hand-forearm anthropometric components in assessing handgrip and pinch strengths of school-aged children and adolescents: a partial least squares (PLS) approach

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to examine the influence of hand-forearm anthropometric dimensions on handgrip and pinch strengths among 7–18 years children and adolescents and to investigate the extent to which these variables can be used to predict hand strength.MethodsFour types of hand strengths including handgrip, tip to tip, key, and three-jaw chuck pinches were measured in 2637 healthy children and adolescents (1391 boys and 1246 girls) aged 7–18 years using standard adjustable Jamar hydraulic hand dynamometer and pinch gauge. A set of 17 hand-forearm anthropometric dimensions were also measured with an accurate digital caliper and tape measure.ResultsNo significant differences were found between the hand strengths of boys and girls up to the age of 10 years. Gender related differences in handgrip and pinches were observed from the age of 11 years onwards, with boys always being stronger. The dominant hand was stronger than the non-dominant hand (8% for handgrip and by about 10% for all three types of pinches). The strongest correlations were found between the hand length and hand strengths (r > 0.83 for handgrip and three all pinches; p < 0.001, 2-tailed). Based on the partial least squares (PLS) analysis, 8 out of 17 anthropometric indices including hand length, hand circumference, thumb length, index finger length, middle finger length, and forearm length had considerable loadings in the PLS analysis, which together accounted for 46% of the total variance.ConclusionsThese results may be used by health professionals in clinical settings as well as by designers to create ergonomic hand tools.

Gripforce reduction in children with an upper neonatal brachial plexus palsy.

ObjectiveTo assess gripforce in children with a C5 and C6 neonatal brachial plexus palsy, as it may affect hand use. Applying classic innervation patterns, gripforce should not be affected, as hand function is not innervated by C5 or C6. This study compares gripforce in children with a neonatal brachial plexus palsy with that in a healthy control group, and assesses correlations with hand sensibility, bimanual use and external rotation.MethodsA total of 50 children with neonatal brachial plexus palsy (mean age 9.8 years) and 25 controls (mean age 9.6 years) were investigated. Nerve surgery had been performed in 30 children, and 20 children had been treated conservatively. Gripforce of both hands was assessed using a Jamar dynamometer. Sensibility of the hands was assessed with 2-point discrimination and Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments. External rotation was assessed using the Mallet score. Bimanual use was measured by using 1 of 3 dexterity items of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2. The affected side of the neonatal brachial plexus palsy group was compared with the non-dominant hand of the control group using 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), χ2 and Mann–Whitney tests.ResultsThe mean gripforce of the affected non-dominant hand of children with neonatal brachial plexus palsy was reduced compared with healthy controls (95 N and 123 N, respectively, with p = 0.001). The mean gripforce of the non-dominant hand in the control group was 92% of that of the dominant hand, while it was only 76% in the neonatal brachial plexus palsy group (p = 0.04). There was no relationship between gripforce reduction and sensibility, bimanual use or shoulder external rotation.DiscussionThe gripforce in neonatal brachial plexus palsy infants with a C5 and C6 lesion is lower than that of healthy controls, although classic interpretation of upper limb innervation excludes this finding. The reduction in gripforce in upper neonatal brachial plexus palsy lesions is not widely appreciated as a factor inherently compromising hand use. The reduction in gripforce should be taken into consideration in planning the type of rehabilitation and future activities.LAY ABSTRACTChildren with a shoulder nerve lesion caused at birth, use the hand at that side in a limited way. This is odd, as hand function is not controlled by nerves of the shoulder plexus. To get more information about the hand use, we investigated the gripforce and compared this with healthy children. This objective comparison has not been carried out before. Fifty children with comparable shoulder nerve lesion and twenty five controls were investigated. Gripforce of the affected hand was 23 % lower than the gripforce of the hand of the controls. This finding contradict previous research. Also the often limited external rotation of the shoulder in the group with nerve lesion could not be correlated with the diminished gripforce. Diminished gripforce is not widely appreciated as a factor compromising hand use. This reduction should be taken into consideration in planning the type of rehabilitation and future activities.

Effect of hand exercises on grip strength and manual dexterity in children with severe congenital visual impairment

Background: Vision is important in planning and performing motor skills. Early reduction or lack of visual function may alter or delay the development of basic motor and visual-motor skills. Developing skilful hands is a necessity in blind children as it often compensates for their missing vision. Objective: The objective of the study was to focus on the efficacy of hand exercises on grip strength and manual dexterity in children with severe congenital visual impairment. Materials and Methods: The study included 60 children aged 7–15 years who were diagnosed with severe bilateral congenital visual impairment. Hand exercises were given to all the 60 children at least 4 days in a week for a period of 6 weeks. Grip strength and manual dexterity values were analyzed using Jamar dynamometer and Purdue Pegboard test, respectively. Results: The mean age was 12.15±2.284 years. We observed a significant improvement in grip strength (p&lt;0.001) and manual dexterity (p&lt;0.001) post-intervention as compared to the pre-intervention scores. Conclusion: The findings of the present study indicate that hand exercises can be a useful training method in improving grip strength and manual dexterity in children with severe congenital visual impairment.

Simultaneous 4 Compartment Pressure Monitoring in Diagnosis of Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome of the Forearm

The authors describe a technique for bilateral simultaneous measuring of forearm compartments pressure for assessment of suspected chronic exertional compartment syndrome of the forearm. Under ultrasound guidance, 18-G cannulae were inserted bilaterally into the superficial flexor and dorsal extensor forearm compartments. The imaging was used to confirm safe subfascial placement, and ensured no kinking or catching on the muscle bellies during dynamic movements. An arterial pressure transducer with 4 portals allowed simultaneous measurements from 4 compartments. Intracompartmental pressure (ICP) was measured in 2 ways, (1) hand in a relaxed position and (2) power grip with Jamar Dynamometer. After baseline measurements were taken, the patient undertook a period of rowing sufficient to generate symptoms. ICPs were then recorded at 1, 2, and 5 minutes by which time symptoms had resolved. Using this method ICPs in 4 myofascial compartments was measured in the same limb, simultaneously, pre- and postexercise.

Associations of grip strength with cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality in people with and without hypertension: findings from the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) China Study

Abstract Background Hypertension and grip strength (GS) are predictors of mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD), but whether these risk factors interact to affect both CVD and all-cause mortality is unknown. The study aimed to examine whether the associations between hypertension and GS with the risk of major CVD incidence, CVD mortality, and all-cause mortality differed between people with and without hypertension. Methods GS was measured using a Jamar dynamometer in participants aged 35–70 years from 12 provinces in the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) China study. Hypertension was defined as a baseline systolic and diastolic blood pressure of at least 140/90 mm Hg, a self-reported history of hypertension, or treatment with antihypertensive medications. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the associations of GS and hypertension and with the outcomes of all-cause mortality and CVD incidence/mortality, and to test the multiplicative interactions between hypertension and GS. Results Among 39,862 participants included in this study, 15,964 reported having hypertension at baseline and 9095 had high GS. After a median follow-up of 8.9 years [interquartile range (IQR) 6.7–9.9 years], 1822 participants developed major CVD, and 1250 deaths occurred (388 as a result of CVD). Compared with normotensive participants with high GS, hypertensive patients with high GS had a higher risk of major CVD incidence (HR 2.36 [95% CI: 1.84–3.02]; P&amp;lt;0.0001) or CVD mortality (HR 3.05 [95% CI: 1.56–5.95]; P&amp;lt;0.0001) but did not have a significantly increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR 1.23 [95% CI: 0.91–1.67]; P=0.181); these risks were further increased if hypertensive participants whose GS level was low (major CVD incidence (HR 3.33 [95% CI: 2.61, 4.24]; P&amp;lt;0.0001), CVD mortality (HR: 5.20 [95% CI: 2.76, 9.82]; P&amp;lt;0.0001), and all-cause mortality (HR 2.00 [95% CI: 1.53, 2.62]; P&amp;lt;0.0001)). Conclusions The present study demonstrates that hypertensive patients with low GS are associated with the highest risk of major CVD incidence, CVD mortality, and all-cause mortality. High levels of GS appear to mitigate long-term mortality risk among hypertensive patients. Association of adverse outcomes Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): The main PURE study and its components are funded by the Population Health Research Institute, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, and through unrestricted grants from several pharmaceutical companies. Besides funding from global PURE, this work was also sponsored by CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences (CIFMS): 2016-I2M-2-004, Construction of Basic Information Technology Support System and Platform for National Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases.

The association of grip strength with cardiovascular diseases and all-cause mortality in people with hypertension: Findings from the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology China Study

BackgroundBoth hypertension and grip strength (GS) are predictors of mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD), but whether these risk factors interact to affect CVD and all-cause mortality is unknown. This study sought to investigate the associations of GS with the risk of major CVD incidence, CVD mortality, and all-cause mortality in patients with hypertension. MethodsGS was measured using a Jamar dynamometer (Sammons Preston, Bolingbrook, IL, USA) in participants aged 35–70 years from 12 provinces included in the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology China Study. Cox frailty proportional hazards models were used to examine the associations of GS and hypertension and the outcomes of all-cause mortality and CVD incidence/mortality. ResultsAmong 39,862 participants included in this study, 15,964 reported having hypertension, and 9095 had high GS at baseline. After a median follow-up of 8.9 years (interquartile range, 6.7–9.9 years), 1822 participants developed major CVD, and 1250 deaths occurred (388 as a result of CVD). Compared with normotensive participants with high GS, hypertensive patients with high GS had a higher risk of major CVD incidence (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.39; 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 1.86–3.06; p < 0.001) or CVD mortality (HR = 3.11; 95%CI: 1.59–6.06; p < 0.001) but did not have a significantly increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 1.24; 95%CI: 0.92–1.68; p = 0.159). These risks were further increased if hypertensive participants whose GS level was low (major CVD incidence, HR = 3.31, 95%CI: 2.60–4.22, p < 0.001; CVD mortality, HR = 4.99, 95%CI: 2.64–9.43, p < 0.001; and all-cause mortality, HR = 1.93, 95%CI: 1.47–2.53, p < 0.001). ConclusionThe present study demonstrates that low GS is associated with the highest risk of major CVD incidence, CVD mortality, and all-cause mortality among hypertensive patients. High levels of GS appear to mitigate long-term mortality risk among hypertensive patients.

Comparison of efficacy of fluidotherapy and paraffin bath in hand osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial.

Objectives This study aims to compare the efficacy of paraffin bath therapy and fluidotherapy on pain, hand muscle strength, functional status, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with hand osteoarthritis (OA).Patients and methods This prospective randomized controlled study included 77 patients (8 males, 69 females; mean age: 63.1±10.3 years; range 39 to 88 years) with primary hand OA who applied between July 2017 and March 2018. The patients were randomized into two groups with the sealed envelope method: Paraffin bath therapy (20 min, one session per day, for two weeks) was applied for 36 patients whereas 41 patients received fluidotherapy for the same period. The pain severity of the patients, both at rest and during activities of daily living (ADL) within the last 48 hours was questioned and scored using Visual Analog Scale. Duruöz Hand Index (DHI) was used to evaluate hand functions. Gross grip strength was measured using Jamar dynamometer whereas fine grip strength was measured using pinch meter in three different positions (lateral pinch, tip pinch, and palmar pinch). The 36-Item Short Form (SF-36) was used to analyze the QoL. All measurements were performed before, immediately after, and three months after treatment.Results Improvement was observed in pain score at rest and during ADL, DHI scores, gross and fine grip strengths, and SF-36 subscores in both groups after treatment. However, no significant difference was observed between the groups.ConclusionBoth fluidotherapy and paraffin bath therapy have been found to have positive effects on pain, hand muscle strength, functional status, and QoL in the treatment of hand OA. However, no superiority was observed between the two treatment modalities.

NANE YAĞI İLE KLASİK MASAJIN EGZERSİZDEN TOPARLANMA SIRASINDA KAS AĞRISI VE KAS KUVVETİNE ETKİSİ

The aim of this study was to investigate effects of classic massage with peppermint oil or vaseline on muscle pain and muscle strength during recovery from exercise. Twenty-two healthy males between the ages of 18 to 22 years participated in this study. All participants carried out 10 set of 10 repetitions eccentric exercises of wrist flexors with elastic bands. The participants were randomly divided into two intervention groups as the peppermint oil and the vaseline massage. Ten minutes of classic massage was performed to one arm of participants after exercise and no massage was performed to contralateral arm. Muscle soreness was evaluated using pressure algometry. Grip strength was measured with JAMAR dynamometer. No significant differences were found for muscle soreness in both peppermint oil and vaseline massage arm from baseline to 24 h and 48 h (p&amp;gt;.05). There were significant differences from baseline to 24 h (p=0.031) and 48 h (p=0.023) post-exercise in peppermint oil control arm for muscle soreness. Also, there was a significant difference from baseline to 24 h (p=0.016) in the vaseline control arm. No significant differences were found for grip strength after exercise in all conditions (p&amp;gt;.05). There were no significant differences between peppermint oil and vaseline massage arm for both muscle soreness and grip strength (p&amp;gt;.05). The classic massages with peppermint oil and vaseline alleviated muscle soreness during recovery after exercise. But, both massage interventions did not contribute to recovery of grip strength after exercise.

The Effect of Ring Finger Distal Interphalangeal Joint Stiffness on Grip Strength: A Simulated Study in Normal Participants

Background: Pain of the hand distal interphalangeal joints may result from trauma, osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis. When symptoms are not controlled by non-operative means, surgical arthrodesis may be performed, resulting in complete stiffness of the joint and possible weakening of grip strength. This study aims to quantify the effect of a stiff ring finger distal interphalangeal joint on overall grip strength. Methods: One hundred participants were screened to exclude upper limb pathology. A Jamar dynamometer was used to assess overall hand grip strength. A splint was used to prevent distal interphalangeal joint flexion, thus replicating a fused distal interphalangeal joint. Participants were tested with and without the splint and the results compared. The mean of three grip strength tests was taken. Results: The participants included 55 females. Mean age was 31 (18-60 years). 76 participants had a reduction in grip strength with splinting, with a significant difference seen (p < 0.05) on Wilcoxon signed rank test. The median reduction in grip strength with splinting was 1.67 kg. However only 10 participants (10%) had a grip strength loss of greater than 6.5 kg, which is the minimal clinically important difference. Conclusions: This study found a significant loss in overall hand grip strength when the ring finger distal interphalangeal joint was stiffened. However, despite this significant change, only 10 (10%) participants experienced a reduction of greater than 6.5 kg. This is the level of weakness felt to be required to reduce function. Thus our results suggest that 90% of patients with a stiff ring finger distal interphalangeal joint are unlikely to have a clinically identifiable functional reduction in grip strength as a result.

The handgrip strength threshold of 16 kg discriminates successful rehabilitation: A prospective short-term study of 258 women with hip fracture

AimIn 2019 the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) indicated weakness as the key characteristic of sarcopenia and released the threshold of 16 kg for handgrip strength to define weakness in women. We aimed to externally validate the 16 kg cut-off point for predicting functional recovery in 258 women with subacute hip fracture admitted to our rehabilitation ward. MethodsWe assessed handgrip strength by a hand-grip Jamar dynamometer at admission to inpatient rehabilitation and functional ability in activities of daily living by the Barthel index at the end of the rehabilitation course. Successful rehabilitation was defined with a Barthel index score ≥85 and highest possible recovery with a Barthel index effectiveness = 100 %. ResultsA handgrip strength ≥16 kg significantly predicted both successful rehabilitation (χ2 = 23.5, P < 0.001) and highest possible recovery (χ2 = 31.05, P < 0.001). For the women with a handgrip strength ≥16 kg, the odds ratios to gain successful rehabilitation and highest possible recovery were 2.68 (95 % CI from 1.19 to 6.04; P = 0.018) and 2.81 (95 % CI from 1.47 to 5.37; P = 0.002), after adjustment for Barthel index scores before rehabilitation, age, hip-fracture type (either medial or lateral), cognitive impairment and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. ConclusionOur results provide an external validation of the 16 kg handgrip strength threshold recently released to discriminate functional outcomes: it significantly predicted the short-term ability to perform activities of daily living after hip fracture in women.

Frailty and Nutritional Status among Urban Older Adults in South India

The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of frailty and nutritional status among older adults. This population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 163 subjects aged 60–88 years, from Hyderabad City, South India. Data were obtained on sociodemographic details and anthropometry and biochemical parameters. Dietary intake was assessed by a three-day 24 h dietary recall, and the probability of adequacy (PA) was calculated using the estimated average requirements. Frailty indicators were as follows: handgrip strength was measured by using a Jamar dynamometer, gait speed was measured by a ten-meter length walk test, and low physical activity level, weight loss, and exhaustion were assessed using a questionnaire. Among the study population, 20% of the participants were frail and 80% were nonfrail. The prevalence of frailty is higher in older (30.1%) than the younger (12.2%) age groups, and it is more so in women (32.4%) than in men (10.1%). The lower educational status and income were associated with frailty. The PA of most of the nutrients was low in the frail group. Noticeably, the mean PA (MPA) across the fourteen micronutrients was significantly higher in nonfrail (38%) compared to the frail group (25%). The prevalence of frailty was higher in the lowest tertile of most of the food groups and nutrient intake compared to the highest tertile. The study revealed a 20% prevalence of frailty among urban older adults and provided evidence that inadequate intake of nutrients is independently associated with frailty.

Warm-up effect on handgrip strength in sedentary and overweight women

Introduction: The evaluation of handgrip strength has gain special relevance in the area of health. However, a standardized protocol of application is required to measure it, including warm-up procedures.Objective: To compare the acute effects of different warm-up strategies on maximal handgrip strength (MHS) in sedentary and overweight women.Materials and methods: Single-blind, randomized, cross-over study in which MHS was measured in 12 overweight women under the following conditions: i) no warm-up (control condition), ii) static stretching warm-up, iii) strength-based warm-up (i.e., resistance band exercise), and iv) isometric squeezing-ball warm-up for the forearm muscles. A Jamar dynamometer was used for the measurements, which were taken on four different days, at 48-hour rest intervals; three measurement were made per hand.Results: MHS mean values were 23.8 and 24.9 kg without warm-up, 20.3 and 21.4 kg after stretching warm-up, 20.9 and 22.9 kg after strength-based warm-up, and 22.0 and 23.0 kg after squeezing-ball warm-up for non-dominant and dominant hand, respectively. No significant (p&gt;0.05; one-way ANOVA) differences were observed between protocols, nor differences in MHS in relation to nutritional status, lean mass or fat mass.Conclusion: Warm-up is not required to measure MHS in overweight sedentary women when three measurements are made.

Poor Handgrip Strength And Risk Of Falls In Older Women

Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among older people, although its association with handgrip strength is less characterized. PURPOSE: To prospectively assess the association between poor handgrip strength and incidence of falls in older women. METHODS: The cohort included 204 women (68.1 ± 6.2 years) who were assessed for handgrip strength (Jamar Dynamometer) at baseline and followed up for 18 months. FNIH Sarcopenia threshold of handgrip strength adjusted for body mass index (BMI) (<0.56) was used for clinical determination of muscle weakness. Multivariable Cox hazard models were analyzed in the total cohort and stratified by postural balance (near tandem stand test cutoff: 10 s) status. RESULTS: During the follow-up, 56 (27%) women experienced at least one event of falls. Compared to women with normal handgrip strength, women who had poor handgrip strength adjusted for BMI exhibited significantly higher risk for falls [Hazard Ratio (HR): 2.2, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) (1.1 - 4.6), p= 0.031]. The risk was even greater in a stratified analysis among women with impaired balance [HR: 3.2, 95% CI: (1.3 - 7.7), p= 0.011] but not significant (p= 0.440) in women with normal balance. CONCLUSIONS: Poor handgrip strength adjusted for BMI is associated with higher risk of falls in older women and particularly in those with impaired postural balance. These results suggest potential prognostic value of handgrip strength testing in risk stratification for falls.

A study on the determination of handgrip strength of Olympic style weightlifting athletes

Background and Study Aim: Handgrip strength is widely accepted as a functionality parameter to assess upper extremity performance. The measurement of hand grip strength by dynamometry is a low cost, non-invasive method of simple applicability. The present study is based on the association of dominant and non-dominant handgrip strength with demographic and anthropometric characteristics; height, body weight, body mass index, upper arm length, forearm length, hand length, forearm circumference, upper arm circumference.&#x0D; Material and Methods: The study included 70 male athletes in olympic style weightlifting (age: 18.06±2.18, height:1.74±.06 m, body weight: 76.09±13.04 kg). A total of 70 sedentary individuals as a control group (age 18.11±.18, height:1.75±.04 m, body weight: 74.01±13.94 kg) were also taken to compare study findings. The data obtained was analyzed by SPPS for Windows, version 25. Handgrip strength measurements were obtained by a Jamar dynamometer, according to the recommendations of the American Association of Hand Therapists.&#x0D; Results: It was found that the values of dominant and non-dominant handgrip strength, upper arm circumference and forearm circumference length of the weightlifting athletes were higher than those of sedentary individuals (p&lt;.001). No asymmetry was observed in dominant and non-dominant handgrip strength values of the athletes and sedentary individuals. The correlations were noted between dominant and non-dominant handgrip strength values of weightlifting athletes and demographic characteristics, some anthropometric characteristics of upper extremity and weightlifting performance.&#x0D; Conclusion: The variability of handgrip strength might largely be explained by some anthropometric characteristics of upper extremity.

Normative reference values for handgrip strength, shoulder and ankle range of motion and upper-limb and lower limb stability for 137 youth judokas of both sexes

ObjectivesTo provide reference values for handgrip strength, shoulder and ankle range of motion (ROM) and upper-limb and lower limb stability for youth judokas of both sexes and investigate the effects of sex and side dominance. DesignCross-sectional. MethodsA total of 137 youth judokas from under-18 (n=60) and under-21 (n=77) categories of both sexes were assessed. Handgrip strength was assessed using a Jamar dynamometer, ankle ROM was measured by lunge test, shoulder ROM was assessed by an inclinometer and upper-limb and lower limb stability were assessed by the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test and by the Modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT). ResultsIn both categories, males had greater handgrip strength. In the under-18 category, the dominant side had greater handgrip strength, the non-dominant side of females had smaller shoulder external rotation ROM than the dominant side and also than both sides of males, and females had greater shoulder IR ROM. In the under-21 category, the dominant side of females had greater ankle dorsiflexion ROM than the dominant side of males, the dominant sides and females had greater shoulder ER ROM, and males had better performance in the mSEBT. ConclusionsThis study provided reference values for handgrip strength, shoulder and ankle ROM, upper and lower limb stability for youth judokas, which can be used to guide assessment during preseason. Sex influenced on shoulder ER and IR ROM, handgrip strength and lower limb stability. In addition, side dominance influenced on shoulder ER ROM and on handgrip strength.

Is Handgrip Strength a Useful Measure to Evaluate Lower Limb Strength and Functional Performance in Older Women?

AimThis study aimed to determine the association of handgrip strength with isometric and isokinetic strength (hip, knee and ankle extensor/flexor muscles), and functional capacity in older women.MethodsThe handgrip strength and lower limb strength of 199 older women (60–86 years) were measured using JAMAR and BIODEX dynamometers, respectively. Time Up and Go, Five-times-sit-to-stand and 6m-walk functional tests were evaluated. Pearson correlations were used to determine the relationship between variables. Regression analysis was applied to identify if HS was able to predict TUG performance. The effect of age was analyzed by splitting the participants in a group of older women (OLD; from 60 to 70 years old) and very old women (from 71 to 86 years old).ResultsThe HS and isometric/isokinetic strength correlations were negligible/low and, in most cases, were non-significant. The correlation between handgrip strength and functional tests also ranged predominantly from negligible (r=0.0 to 0.3) to low (r=0.3 to 0.5), irrespective of the group age. The handgrip strength was not able to explain the variance of the TUG performance.ConclusionGeneralizing handgrip strength as a practical and straightforward measure to determine lower limbs and overall strength, and functional capacity in older women must be viewed with caution. Handgrip strength and standard strength measures of the lower limbs and functional tests present a negligible/low correlation.

The Effect of the Powerball Gyroscope as a Treatment Device for Nonspecific Wrist Pain

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the effect of using the Powerball gyroscope as a treatment device on pain and change in endurance in nonspecific wrist pain. MethodsThis study was a within-participants pre- and postintervention study consisting of 40 participants between ages 18 and 35 with an equal male-to-female ratio. The participants used the Powerball gyroscope for 5 minutes per treatment session. Treatment comprised 12 sessions carried out 3 × per week over a 4-week period. Participants completed objective and subjective data before the first, seventh, and 12th sessions. Objective data were recorded using the Jamar dynamometer to measure grip strength. Subjective data were gathered using the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation Questionnaire. Participants then used the Powerball gyroscope in the hand with the affected wrist. The Wilcoxon signed rank test and 1-way repeated-measures analysis of variance were used to analyze the changes. ResultsA significant decrease in pain was noted throughout the study, but the most significant changes occurred between the seventh and 12th treatment sessions (P < .01). A significant increase in grip strength was also noted throughout the study, with the greater increase in grip strength occurring during the first 7 treatments (P < .02). ConclusionThe Powerball gyroscope showed a change in outcome regarding nonspecific wrist pain and grip strength.