Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test Research Articles

Comparison of Writing Speed, Letter Size, and Upper Extremity Muscle Activation in Stroke Patients Using Two Writing Aids: Evaluation with the Jebsen–Taylor Hand Function Test

Currently, writing aids for upper extremity rehabilitation in stroke patients are not developed with consideration of biomechanical characteristics, making it difficult to achieve proper support effects. Therefore, in this study, we conducted a comparative analysis to examine how the use of two types of writing aids affects writing speed, letter size, and upper extremity muscle activation based on hand function and electromyography assessments in 12 stroke patients. Hand function was assessed using the Jebsen–Taylor hand function test, while writing ability (writing speed and letter size) was measured using the Korean alphabet writing test. Muscle activity was recorded using surface electromyography from both the paralyzed side (PS) and nonparalyzed side (NPS). The results showed that writing speed was significantly slower and horizontal letter sizes were larger on the PS. Additionally, muscle activation patterns on the PS were significantly influenced by the design of the writing aids, suggesting that the aids’ design affects compensatory movements and muscle function. These findings emphasize the importance of personalized rehabilitation tools that cater to the individual needs of stroke patients. Future research will focus on developing customized writing aids based on biomechanical data to better support rehabilitation goals.

Psychometric Validation of the In-Hand Manipulation Assessment (IHMA)

ObjectiveTo determine the inter-rater reliability, and criterion and discriminant validity of the In-Hand Manipulation Assessment (IHMA) with patients after stroke. DesignParticipants were videotaped, completing the IHMA and scored by two blinded assessors to determine the inter-rater reliability. Stroke participants also completed the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test, and healthy participants completed the Nine Hole Peg Test to determine the validity of the IHMA. SettingCommunity and hospital settings. Participants46 participants with 22 healthy young adults, 14 healthy older adults and 10 people with stroke. InterventionNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresNot applicable ResultsThe inter-rater reliability of the IHMA was good (for all participants: Intra-Class Correlation Coefficient = .78 – .98, p ≤ .001; for stroke participants: Kappa statistics = .70 - 1.00 (p ≤ .001). The IHMA demonstrated good discriminant validity between the healthy young adults and healthy older adults for time and completion scores (ps = .012 and ≤ .001). The criterion validity of the IHMA was moderate to good when compared with the Nine Hole Peg Test (r = - .45 – .84), but no significant correlation was found with the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test. Modifications to the IHMA tasks and instructions were made based on the performance of participants to improve its clinical utility with people after stroke. ConclusionThe IHMA demonstrated good inter-rater reliability, good discriminant validity and moderate to good criterion validity with the Nine Hole Peg Test. The proposed modifications to the IHMA will enhance its administration.

Clinical utility of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in restoring hand function of patients with nerve injury and hypertrophic scars due to burns: A prospective, randomized, double-blinded study.

Joint contractures and nerve injuries are common after hand burns. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is effective not only for the regeneration of various tissues, including scar tissues, but also for reducing pain and pruritus in patients with burns. Researchers have attempted to explore the effects of ESWT on hand dysfunction caused by nerve injury following burns. We evaluated the effects of ESWT (compared to sham stimulation) on hands with nerve injury and hypertrophic scars and thereby on hand function. The current study was a double-blind randomized controlled trial involving 120 patients. The ESWT parameters were as follows: energy flux density, 0.05-0.30mJ/mm2; frequency, 4Hz; 1000 to 3000 impulses per treatment; and 12 treatments, one/week for 12 weeks. Outcome measures were as follows: 10-point visual analog scale for pain, Jebsen-Taylor hand function test, grip strength, Purdue Pegboard test, ultrasound measurement of scar thickness, and skin characteristics before and immediately after 12 weeks of treatment. No significant inter-group difference was noted after the initial evaluation (P>0.05). More significant improvements were found in the ESWT group than in the sham group in terms of the VAS score (P=0.004), extension ROMs of hand joints (P=0.02), the JTT scores (writing, small, and light) (P<0.001, P<0.001, and P=0.002), and skin characteristics (melanin, skin distensibility, and biologic skin elasticity) (P=0.004, P<0.001, and P<0.001). Other measured outcomes did not differ between the two groups after the treatment. We identified the clinically beneficial effects of ESWT in promoting hand function, improving scarring, and alleviating scarring-related pain, thereby highlighting its advantages in improving hand function that has been impaired due to nerve injury and hypertrophic scars after burns.

UPPER EXTREMITY SELECTIVE VOLUNTARY MOTOR CONTROL IN CHILDREN WITH UNILATERAL CEREBRAL PALSY AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH UPPER EXTREMITY FUNCTIONS

Purpose: The study aimed to define the upper extremity selective voluntary motor control (SVMC) in children with unilateral Cerebral Palsy (CP). It was also aimed to investigate the relationship between upper extremity SVMC and upper extremity functions. Methods: Twenty-four children diagnosed with unilateral CP, aged between 6 and 18, were included in the study. The Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST) assessed the upper extremity functions. Manual dexterity was measured using the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (JTT) timed tasks. The SVMC of the upper extremity was measured using the Selective Control of Upper Extremity Scale (SCUES) using the videotape recording method. Results: Statistically significant decreases in SCUES scores from shoulder to fingers were recorded using the Page statistical test for trend (p

A home-based hand rehabilitation platform for hemiplegic patients after stroke: A feasibility study

BackgroundPatients with stroke often experience weakened upper limbs, making daily tasks difficult to perform. Although rehabilitation devices are available, patients often relapse post-discharge due to insufficient practice. We present a home-based hand telerehabilitation intervention using the iManus™ platform comprising a sensorized glove, a mobile app for the patients, and a therapist portal for monitoring patient progress. ObjectivesThis research aimed to examine the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of a home-based telerehabilitation intervention in improving hand function for individuals with mild stroke. A qualitative approach was also used to explore users' experiences, perceived benefits, and challenges associated with using the platform in a home setting. MethodsIn this single-case study, we delivered a hand telerehabilitation intervention to a chronic stroke patient with impaired hand function using the iManus™ platform. The intervention consisted of 40 home sessions over eight weeks. We assessed feasibility through user adherence and feedback obtained using a System Usability Scale (SUS) and a semi-structured interview with the participant and their informal caregiver. Safety was evaluated by monitoring pain levels using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and efficacy was determined by observing the changes in the fingers’ range of motion using the iManus™ platform and clinical outcomes measures, namely the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) and Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT). ResultsOur participant completed all the assigned sessions, with each averaging 20 min. Usability scored 77.5 out of 100 on the SUS. User feedback from the interviews revealed improved mobility and control over therapy as benefits, indicating room for improvement in the intervention's adaptability and functionality. During the intervention, the participant noted no pain increase, and the telerehabilitation platform recorded range of motion improvements for all finger and wrist joints, excluding wrist extension. The FMA scores were 43 at T0, 53 at T1, and 56 at T2, while the JTHFT scores were 223 at T0, 188 at T1, and 240 at T2. ConclusionsThis single case study demonstrated the preliminary feasibility, safety, and efficacy of a novel home-based hand intervention for stroke survivors. The participant showed improved hand functions, good adherence to the program, and reported satisfaction with the intervention. However, these results are based on a single-case study, and further large-scale studies are needed before any generalization is recommended.

The effect of horse riding simulator on upper extremity skills, trunk control and functionality in cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled trial

Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of horse riding simulator on upper extremity skills, trunk control and functionality in cerebral palsy (CP). Materials and methods This randomized controlled trial included total 32 CP, 16 in horse riding simulator group (HRSG) and 16 in control group (CG). ABILHAND-Kids, Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT), Gross Motor Function Measurement-sitting dimension (GMFM-B), Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS), Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) were evaluated before and after procedure. Results It was observed that there were improvements in both groups for ABILHAND-Kids scores after intervention, but the change in HRSG was significantly higher (p < 0.001). For all parameters of JTHFT (except writing dominant, non-dominant, turning cards-dominant), there was a significant difference between groups in favor of HRSG (p < 0.001-0.002). There was no change in GMFM-B values with intervention for both groups (p > 0.05). There were significant changes in favor of HRSG group in terms TCMS-Total (p = 0.003). There were significant changes in HRSG compared to CG for PEDI (pPEDI-Self-care<0.001, pPEDI-Mobility<0.001, pPEDI-Social function=0.016, respectively). Conclusions It has been found that HRS in addition to conventional physiotherapy have positive effects on upper extremity skills, trunk control and functional abilities in daily life in the rehabilitation process of CP. The study protocol is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT05518370).

Transcranial direct current stimulation–induced changes in motor cortical connectivity are associated with motor gains following ischemic stroke

Understanding the response of the injured brain to different transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) montages may help explain the variable tDCS treatment results on poststroke motor gains. Cortical connectivity has been found to reflect poststroke motor gains and cortical plasticity, but the changes in connectivity following tDCS remain unknown. We aimed to investigate the relationship between tDCS-induced changes in cortical connectivity and poststroke motor gains. In this study, participants were assigned to receive four tDCS montages (anodal, cathodal, bilateral, and sham) over the primary motor cortex (M1) according to a single-blind, randomized, crossover design. Electroencephalography (EEG) and Jebsen-Taylor hand function test (JTT) were performed before and after the intervention. Motor cortical connectivity was measured using beta-band coherence with the ipsilesional and contralesional M1 as seed regions. Motor gain was evaluated based on the JTT completion time. We examined the relationship between baseline connectivity and clinical characteristics and that between changes in connectivity and motor gains after different tDCS montages. Baseline functional connectivity, motor impairment, and poststroke duration were correlated. High ipsilesional M1–frontal–temporal connectivity was correlated with a good baseline motor status, and increased connectivity was accompanied by good functional improvement following anodal tDCS treatment. Low contralesional M1–frontal-central connectivity was correlated with a good baseline motor status, and decreased connectivity was accompanied by good functional improvement following cathodal tDCS treatment. In conclusion, EEG-based motor cortical connectivity was correlated with stroke characteristics, including motor impairment and poststroke duration, and motor gains induced by anodal and cathodal tDCS.

Psychometric Properties of Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test in an Italian Population with Parkinson's Disease.

Assessment of upper limb function is critical in the rehabilitation process of people with Parkinson's Disease (PD), and universally validated outcome measures are needed to allow comparisons across the practice. Moreover, the study of psychometric properties of the same tool on different clinical populations guarantees the possibility of reliably evaluating the same rehabilitation treatment in people with different clinical conditions. The aim of this research was to evaluate the psychometric characteristics of the Italian adaptation of the Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT) in individuals with PD. The reliability and validity of the test were assessed in accordance with international standards. Internal consistency was measured using Cronbach's alpha, and test-retest reliability was determined via the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The construct validity and cross-cultural validity of the test were evaluated using Pearson's correlation coefficient with three assessment tools on upper limb function, independence, and quality of life, with hand grip power measured by a dynamometer and an Italian pangram. Finally, responsiveness after a one month of rehabilitation treatment was measured using the Wilcoxon rank test. Fifty-two Italian people with PD were recruited. Cronbach's alpha values ranged from 0.556 (non-dominant hand) to 0.668 (dominant hand); ICC values ranged from 0.754 to 0.988. Construct validity showed that several statistically significant correlations were detected. Wilcoxon's test showed that the assessment tool can detect a change in this population after treatment. The JTHFT is a reliable, valid, and respondent tool to evaluate the upper limb and hand functionalities in PD patients. It should be added to the toolkit for measuring upper limb performance in this population, adding value to clinical evaluation and ensuring comparable results for different clinical populations and different countries.

Effects of virtual reality-based robot therapy combined with task-oriented therapy on upper limb function and cerebral cortex activation in patients with stroke.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of virtual reality (VR)-based robot therapy combined with task-oriented therapy on cerebral cortex activation and upper limb function in patients with stroke. This study included 46 patients with hemiplegia within 1 year of stroke onset. Patients were divided into an experimental group (n = 23) and a control group (n = 23) using a computer randomization program. The experimental group received VR-based robot and task-oriented therapies, whereas the control group received only task-oriented therapy. All participants received interventions for 40 minutes per session, 5 times a week, for 8 weeks. For the pre- and post-evaluation of all participants, the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for the upper extremity, manual function test, motor activity log, and Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test were used to evaluate changes in upper limb function and motor-evoked potential amplitudes were measured to compare cerebral cortex activation. In comparison to the control group, experimental group demonstrated an improvement in the function of the upper limb (P < .01) and activation of the cerebral cortex (P < .01). The combined intervention of VR-based robot and task-oriented therapies is valuable for improving upper limb function and cerebral cortex activation in patients with stroke.

Efficacy of personalized rTMS to enhance upper limb function in subacute stroke patients: a protocol for a multi-center, randomized controlled study.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is widely used therapy to enhance motor deficit in stroke patients. To date, rTMS protocols used in stroke patients are relatively unified. However, as the pathophysiology of stroke is diverse and individual functional deficits are distinctive, more precise application of rTMS is warranted. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of personalized protocols of rTMS therapy based on the functional reserve of each stroke patient in subacute phase. This study will recruit 120 patients with stroke in subacute phase suffering from the upper extremity motor impairment, from five different hospitals in Korea. The participants will be allocated into three different study conditions based on the functional reserve of each participant, measured by the results of TMS-induced motor evoked potentials (MEPs), and brain MRI with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) evaluations. The participants of the intervention-group in the three study conditions will receive different protocols of rTMS intervention, a total of 10 sessions for 2 weeks: high-frequency rTMS on ipsilesional primary motor cortex (M1), high-frequency rTMS on ipsilesional ventral premotor cortex, and high-frequency rTMS on contralesional M1. The participants of the control-group in all three study conditions will receive the same rTMS protocol: low-frequency rTMS on contralesional M1. For outcome measures, the following assessments will be performed at baseline (T0), during-intervention (T1), post-intervention (T2), and follow-up (T3) periods: Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Box-and-block test, Action Research Arm Test, Jebsen-Taylor hand function test, hand grip strength, Functional Ambulatory Category, fractional anisotropy measured by the DTI, and brain network connectivity obtained from MRI. The primary outcome will be the difference of upper limb function, as measured by FMA from T0 to T2. The secondary outcomes will be the differences of other assessments. This study will determine the effects of applying different protocols of rTMS therapy based on the functional reserve of each patient. In addition, this methodology may prove to be more efficient than conventional rTMS protocols. Therefore, effective personalized application of rTMS to stroke patients can be achieved based on their severity, predicted mechanism of motor recovery, or functional reserves. https://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier NCT06270238.

Relationship between Hand grip strength and Hand function in patients with Stroke: A Cross-Sectional Study

BackgroundHands are vital and inevitable organs. It's essential to evaluate hand function post-stroke as it is a major source of impairment. Grip strength gives a guide to hand function as a measure of impairment. The modified Sphygmomanometer Test (MST) offers an intriguing alternative method for assessing hand grip strength as compared to using hand-held dynamometers. ObjectivesThe study aimed to investigate the correlation between hand grip strength and hand function in stroke patients. MethodsA cross-sectional research was carried out on a group of 45 stroke patients, ranging in age from 40 to 70 years. The assessment included the measurement of hand grip strength through the Modified Sphygmomanometer Test (MST), as well as the evaluation of hand function using the Box and Block Test (BBT) and the Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT). Correlation analysis was performed using the Pearson correlation coefficient test. ResultsThe outcomes showed a strong to excellent between MST and BBT (r = 0.909, p = 0.000); and between MST and JTHFT Non Dominant Hand (JTHFTNDH, r = −0.669 and p = 0.000). However, there was a weak correlation between MST and JTHFT Dominant Hand, and this correlation was not statistically significant (r = −0.243 and p = 0.108). ConclusionThe findings indicated a relationship between hand grip strength and hand function among stroke patients. MST holds potential as a convenient, objective and cost-effective alternative in clinical settings for evaluating hand grip strength and predicting hand function.

The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health to map leprosy-related disability in rural and remote areas in Indonesia.

The International Classification of Function, Disability, and Health (ICF-WHO, 2001) recognizes several dimensions of disability, such as body structure and function (and impairment thereof), activity (and activity restrictions) and participation (and participation restriction) and their interactions with contextual factor (personal and environmental). In this study, we map and analyse the relationship between the components of ICF in leprosy patients from two rural areas in Indonesia: Lewoleba (East Nusa Tenggara) and Likupang (North Minahasa). This study was part of a community outreach program by the KATAMATAKU team from Universitas Indonesia. The body structure was graded using the WHO hand and feet disability grade and the number of enlarged nerves, while the body function was measured by the Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test (JTT) and Timed-up and Go (TUG). Activity limitation and participation restriction were measured using the Screening Activity Limitation Safety Awareness (SALSA) Scale and Participation Scale (P-scale), respectively. There were 177 leprosy patients from the two regions and 150 patients with complete data were included in the analysis. We found 82% (95% CI: 75.08%-87.32%) of subjects with multibacillary leprosy, 10.67% (95% CI: 6.67%-16.62%) of subjects with grade 2 WHO hand disability, and 9.33% (95% CI: 5.64%-15.06%) of subjects with grade 2 WHO foot disability. Assessment using the SALSA Scale showed 29.33% of subjects with limitation activity and 11.33% with participation restriction. Age was shown to have positive correlations with SALSA, JTT, and TUG. Inter-dimensional analysis showed that the SALSA scale had significant positive correlations with the number of nerve enlargements, P-scale, JTT, and TUG. SALSA scores of grade 2 WHO hand and foot disability were also significantly higher than grades 1 and 0. The participation scale also had a positive correlation with JTT but not TUG. Hand disability seemed to affect societal participation while foot did not. We used the ICF to describe and analyse dimensions of leprosy-related disability in Indonesia.

Age- and sex-related changes in motor functions: a comprehensive assessment and component analysis.

Age-related motor impairments often cause caregiver dependency or even hospitalization. However, comprehensive investigations of the different motor abilities and the changes thereof across the adult lifespan remain sparse. We, therefore, extensively assessed essential basic and complex motor functions in 444 healthy adults covering a wide age range (range 21 to 88 years). Basic motor functions, here defined as simple isolated single or repetitive movements in one direction, were assessed by means of maximum grip strength (GS) and maximum finger-tapping frequency (FTF). Complex motor functions, comprising composite sequential movements involving both proximal and distal joints/muscle groups, were evaluated with the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (JTT), and the Purdue Pegboard Test. Men achieved higher scores than women concerning GS and FTF, whereas women stacked more pins per time than men during the Purdue Pegboard Test. There was no significant sex effect regarding JTT. We observed a significant but task-specific reduction of basic and complex motor performance scores across the adult lifespan. Linear regression analyses significantly predicted the participants' ages based on motor performance scores (R2 = 0.502). Of note, the ratio between the left- and right-hand performance remained stable across ages for all tests. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed three motor components across all tests that represented dexterity, force, and speed. These components were consistently present in young (21-40 years), middle-aged (41-60 years), and older (61-88 years) adults, as well as in women and men. Based on the three motor components, K-means clustering analysis differentiated high- and low-performing participants across the adult life span. The rich motor data set of 444 healthy participants revealed age- and sex-dependent changes in essential basic and complex motor functions. Notably, the comprehensive assessment allowed for generating robust motor components across the adult lifespan. Our data may serve as a reference for future studies of healthy subjects and patients with motor deficits. Moreover, these findings emphasize the importance of comprehensively assessing different motor functions, including dexterity, force, and speed, to characterize human motor abilities and their age-related decline.

Deep burn surgery of the whole dorsum of the hand: Composite skin grafting over acellular dermal matrix versus thick split-thickness skin grafting.

Preservation and restoration of hand function after burn injuries are challenging yet imperative. This study aimed to assess the curative effect of a composite skin graft over an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) and a thick split-thickness skin graft (STSG) for treating deep burns on the hand. Patients who met the inclusion criteria at the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University between September 2011 and January 2020 were retrospectively identified from the operative register. We investigated patient characteristics, time from operation to the start of active motion exercise, take rates of skin graft 7 days post-surgery, donor site recovery, complications and days to complete healing. Patients were followed up for 12 months to evaluate scar quality using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and hand function through total active motion (TAM) and the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT). A total of 38 patients (52 hands) who received thin STSG on top of the ADM or thick STSG were included. The location of the donor sites was significantly different between Group A (thick STSG) and Group B (thin STSG + ADM) (p = 0.03). There were no statistical differences in age, gender, underlying disease, cause of burn, burn area, dominant hand, patients with two hands operated on and time from burn to surgery between the two groups (p > 0.05). The time from operation to the start of active motion exercise, take rates of skin graft 7 days post-surgery and days to complete healing were not significantly different between Group A and Group B (p > 0.05). The rate of donor sites requiring skin grafting was lower in Group B than in Group A (22.2% vs. 100%, p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in complications between the groups (p = 0.12). Moreover, 12 months postoperatively, the pliability subscore in the VSS was significantly lower in Group A than in Group B (p = 0.01). However, there were no statistically significant differences in vascularity (p = 0.42), pigmentation (p = 0.31) and height subscores (p = 0.13). The TAM and JTHFT results revealed no statistically significant differences between the two groups (p = 0.22 and 0.06, respectively). The ADM combined with thin STSG is a valuable approach for treating deep and extensive hand burns with low donor site morbidity. It has a good appearance and function in patients with hand burns, especially in patients with limited donor sites.

Effects of hippotherapy on upper extremity functions in children with cerebral palsy

Purpose: The purpose of our study was to investigate the effects of hippotherapy on upper extremity functions in children with cerebral palsy (CP). &#x0D; Materials and Methods: The study was carried out with a quasi-hippotherapy design by evaluating the hippotherapy and control groups with pretests and posttests. Sixteen children with CP who were treated with 30 minutes of additional hippotherapy three times a week for five weeks were included in the hippotherapy group. Eleven children with CP who had conventional physiotherapy were recruited for the control group. Upper extremity functions were evaluated before and after the intervention using the Box and Block Test (BBT) and the Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT). &#x0D; Results: There were no significant differences between the hippotherapy and control groups in terms of their baseline BBT and JTHFT scores. After 5-weeks, no statistically significant difference was found between the BBT scores of the hippotherapy and control groups. Significant increases were detected in all parameters of JTHFT in the posttest in the hippotherapy group, compared to the pretest. Moreover, in the posttest, a statistically significant difference was found between the hippotherapy and control groups in the parameters of turning over cards and picking up small objects, which subscales of JTHFT.&#x0D; Conclusion: In children with CP, hippotherapy provided in addition to conventional treatment was an effective practice, especially in improving fine motor skills in the hands.

Pediatric Performance-Based Outcome Measures for Upper Extremity Function: A Scoping Review and Linking to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health.

Background. Performance-based outcome measures (PBOMs) are objective measures that assess physical capacity or performance in specific tasks or movements. Purpose. 1) to identify which PBOMs are most frequently reported to evaluate upper extremity (UE) function in pediatric rehabilitation 2) to determine the link between constructs of the ICF and meaningful concepts extracted from each identified PBOM. Methods. Pediatric UE PBOMs were searched in four databases. The selection of outcome measures included an initial title and abstract screening, followed by full-text review of the articles to be included based on identified selection criteria. Two reviewers were appointed to link the meaningful concepts identified in the outcome measures independently and a third reviewer was consulted in case of ambiguity to make a final decision. Findings. After the initial screening, 1786 full-text articles were reviewed, 1191 met the inclusion criteria, in which 77 outcome measures were identified and 32 were included in the linking process. From the included 32 outcome measures, 538 items were extracted and linked to the ICF. The most commonly cited measures included Assisting Hand Assessment, Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test, Melbourne Assessment of Unilateral Upper Limb. The Activity and Participation domain represented 364 codes followed by the Body Functions domain domain which represented 174 codes. Implications. A majority of the outcome measures identified were linked with the Mobility, Fine Hand Use of the ICF. Therefore, when selecting a PBOM, careful considerations need to be made regarding which concept of health is to be assessed.

Comparison of two different orthoses used in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis.

Lateral epicondylitis (LE) is one of the most common causes of lateral elbow pain, and orthoses are often used in its conservative treatment. However, the number of studies examining the effectiveness of the orthoses used and their differences compared to each other is limited. To determine the effects of 2 orthoses types, wrist orthosis (WO) and counterforce brace (CB), commonly used in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis on muscle activation, grip strength, hand function, and satisfaction level in healthy individuals. Quasi-experimental study. Thirty-seven healthy individuals were recruited. Muscle activation was evaluated by surface electromyography, and maximum grip strength was evaluated with a handheld dynamometer. Hand function and satisfaction level were evaluated with Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test and Orthotics and Prosthetics Users Survey, respectively. All evaluations were conducted for each individual in 3 conditions (no orthosis, WO, and CB). Extensor carpi radialis (ECR) muscle activation was greater when using CB compared with that when without orthosis (p = 0.036). There was no significant difference in extensor digitorum communis (EDC) muscle activation and maximum grip strength among the conditions (p > 0.05). Hand function was worse when using the WO compared with the other conditions (p < 0.001). In terms of orthosis satisfaction, individuals were found to be significantly more satisfied with the use of CB (p = 0.001). In our study highlight the use of CB in terms of EDC muscle activity, grip strength, hand function, and satisfaction, while the use of WO is prominent in terms of keeping extensor carpi radialis muscle activity low, which has been shown to be important for LE. To obtain definitive results on the effectiveness of different orthoses in the treatment of LE, more research is needed to compare the muscular activation in the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) and EDC muscles with objective methods.

Permanent deterioration of fine motor skills after the resection of tumors in the supplementary motor area

Supplementary motor area syndrome (SMAS) represents a common neurosurgical sequela. The incidence and time frame of its occurrence have yet to be characterized after surgery for brain tumors. We examined patients suffering from a brain tumor preoperatively, postoperatively, and during follow-up examinations after three months, including fine motor skills testing and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). 13 patients suffering from a tumor in the dorsal part of the superior frontal gyrus underwent preoperative, early postoperative, and 3-month follow-up testing of fine motor skills using the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (JHFT) and the Nine-Hole Peg Test (NHPT) consisting of 8 subtests for both upper extremities. They completed TMS for cortical motor function mapping. Test completion times (TCTs) were recorded and compared. No patient suffered from neurological deficits before surgery. On postoperative day one, we detected motor deficits in two patients, which remained clinically stable at a 3-month follow-up. Except for page-turning, every subtest indicated a significant worsening of function, reflected by longer TCTs (p < 0.05) in the postoperative examinations for the contralateral upper extremity (contralateral to the tumor manifestation). At 3-month follow-up examinations for the contralateral upper extremity, each subtest indicated significant worsening compared to the preoperative status despite improvement to the immediate postoperative level. We also detected significantly longer TCTs (p < 0.05) postoperatively in the ipsilateral upper extremity. This study suggests a long-term worsening of fine motor skills even three months after SMA tumor resection, indicating the necessity of targeted physical therapy for these patients.

The effects of improvement in upper extremity function on gait and balance in children with upper extremity affected

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the effects of functional improvement in the upper extremity on gait and balance in children with upper extremity affected. Research questionWhat are the effects of functional improvement in the upper extremity on gait and balance in children with upper extremity affected? MethodsEighteen children with a diagnosis of rheumatologic diseases and 15 healthy children were evaluated with Shriners Hospital Upper Extremity Assessment, Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test, Abilhand Rheumatoid Arthritis Scale, 10-meter walk test and Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire. For static balance assessment, the Biodex Balance was used. Ground reaction forces (peak forces (heel strike and push-off) and minimum force (loading response), single-limb support duration, Center-of-Force displacement and walking speed were evaluated with the Sensor Medica. Arm swing was evaluated with the Kinovea 2D motion analysis. ResultsBefore treatment, single-limb support duration and push-off force was higher and center-of-force displacement was lower on affected side compared to unaffected side in rheumatologic group. After the 6-week rehabilitation program, upper extremity function, quality of life and functional gait score improved. Single-limb support duration decreased on affected side and increased on unaffected side. On affected side, push-off force decreased. The arm swing parameters were similar before and after treatment. SignificanceImproving upper extremity function can help with gait balance by decreasing the difference in walking and balance parameters between the affected and unaffected sides and providing for more symmetrical weight transfer.

Effect of augmented reality–based rehabilitation of hand burns on hand function in children: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundDespite the use of traditional rehabilitation methods, hand function may still remain impaired in children suffering from burn injuries. PurposeThis study aimed to assess the impact of implementing an augmented reality (AR) rehabilitation booklet designed for pediatric hand burn on their hand functionality. Study designThis was a randomized controlled trial. MethodsSeventy-two children, aged 8-14 years with a hand burn, were randomly allocated into intervention (n = 36) and control (n = 36) groups. Children in the control group received routine rehabilitation program, while in the intervention group, children performed exercises using a printed booklet with related AR application. The Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test was completed before the intervention at the time of the patients' discharge and 1 month later. ResultsThe results of analysis of covariance based on baseline- and fully-adjusted models showed significant intervention effect after discharge as well as after intervention for hand function (mean difference [95% confidence interval] for discharge: −8.2 [−15.0 to −1.4] and for after intervention: −74.0 [−88.8 to −59.1]) and the items (all p < 0.05), except for writing and lifting large light objects for both after discharge and after intervention measures (all p-value > 0.05). ConclusionsA significant decrease in the total time taking to complete the Jebsen-Taylor hand function test was observed in the intervention group compared to the control group 1 month after discharge. Rehabilitation of children with hand burns, using printed educational booklet with related AR application, improves their hand function.