Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test Research Articles

Cold Habituation Does Not Alter Thermal Responses or Manual Dexterity During Prolonged Cold Air Exposure

Background: Habituation is a pattern of cold acclimatization characterized by attenuated cold defense responses, including a reduction in peripheral vasoconstriction and subsequent increase in skin temperature (TSk) as well as a decrease in shivering thermogenesis. Habituation is achieved through repeated reductions in TSk, rather than deep body core temperature (TC), via exposure to prolonged cold air or brief cold-water immersion. Due to improvements in TSk, enhanced manual dexterity and peripheral cold injury risk reduction are purported benefits of cold habituation. Warfighters frequently operate in cold climates and experience decrements in manual dexterity and strength. These functional losses can negatively impact mission critical tasks and training exercises; however, the effectiveness of cold habituation as a potential countermeasure to alleviate the deleterious effects of prolonged cold exposure on peripheral temperatures, thermal comfort, and hand function is unclear. Purpose: To evaluate the influence of eight consecutive cold air exposures on the thermal (TC and TSk), perceptual (thermal comfort and sensation), and functional (manual dexterity and strength) responses to cold air. We hypothesized that TSk would be higher and perceptual responses and manual dexterity improved, following repeated cold exposure. Methods: Eight young adults (6 M/1 F/1 FTM; 21 ± 2 years; %BF 24.5 ± 7.0) underwent a 2-h cold air exposure (8 °C, ~50% RH) on 8 consecutive days wearing minimal clothing. On Day 0 (baseline exposure ~1 week prior) and Days 1 and 8 of repeated exposure, TC was recorded continuously via a telemetry pill used as a rectal suppository. Extremity (Thand and Tfinger) and mean weighted TSk (MWTSk) from 8 skin sites were recorded continuously. Thermal comfort (TC) and thermal sensation (TS) were recorded at 20 min intervals. Expired gases were collected at 20 min intervals and used to calculate metabolic heat production (MHP). Manual dexterity was assessed using the Purdue Pegboard and Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test (MMDT), and hand strength were measured before and at the end of cold exposure. Results: TC changed across time ( p < 0.05) but did not differ between days ( p > 0.05). MWTSk, Thand, and Tfinger decreased across time ( p < 0.05) but also did not differ between days ( p > 0.05). Mean and minimum whole-body TS and TC were not different between days ( p > 0.05). MHP increased across time ( p < 0.05) but did not differ between days ( p > 0.05). Purdue Pegboard, MMDT task performance, and hand strength did not differ between days ( p > 0.05). Conclusion: Eight consecutive days of cold air exposure does not augment extremity skin temperature, thermal comfort, or manual performance during prolonged cold conditions. Supported by U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command, Military Operational Medicine Research Program; author views not offcial US Army or DoD policy. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

The effects of exergames on upper extremity performance, trunk mobility, gait, balance, and cognition in Parkinson's disease: a randomized controlled study.

In recent years, game-based exercises have been included more in the rehabilitation programs of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and positive effects have been observed. This study aims to investigate the effects of innovative games particularly designed for neurological patients on upper extremity performance, trunk mobility and cognition in patients with PD. Twenty-three patients were enrolled in this randomized controlled study and randomly allocated into two groups: Exergames Program (EP) and Conventional Exercise Program (CP). Both groups received supervised physiotherapy sessions for 3days a week and 8weeks in total (24 sessions). Each session lasted 1h. Evaluations were applied before and after the treatment: 9-Hole Peg Test (9-HPT), Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test (MMDT), Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS), Timed Up and Go (TUG), Functional Reach Test (FRT), and Parkinson Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39). Twenty patients were included in the analysis because of the dropouts. Our findings showed that both groups improved significantly in 9-HPT dominant side, MMDT, TIS, MDS-UPDRS, TUG, FRT, and PDQ-39 (p < 0.05). MoCA scores of EP group improved significantly (p < 0.05) while CP group's did not (p > 0.05). It was found that EP group had better improvements in 9-HPT dominant side, MMDT turning test, and MoCA than CP group when the differences in the changes within the groups were compared (p < 0.05). Game-based training can be a useful rehabilitation tool to improve upper extremities performance, trunk mobility, cognition, functional mobility, balance, and quality of life and may have superiority over conventional exercises in improving cognition and upper extremity functions. NCT05235880. Release Date: April 1, 2022.

Investigation Of Factors Affecting Motor Competence In Early Adolescents

Aim: This study aims to retrospectively evaluate the fundamental motor competence of early adolescents and to examine the affecting factors. Methods: 89 children aged 11.33±0.95 were included in the study. Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test (MMDT) for manual dexterity, 9-Hole Peg Test (9-HPT) for finger dexterity, Korebalance™ Premiere for balance, manual muscle strength measurement device for quadriceps muscle strength, hand dynamometer for hand grip strength, EMG Biofeedback for muscle activation was used. Results: Compared by gender, there was a statistically significant difference in the right and left-hand placing of MMDT and 9-HPT (p=0.004, p=0.041, p=0.004, respectively). Comparison’s of age groups, there was a statistically significant difference in the left-hand placing and turning subtests of MMDT and left grip strength (p=0.010, p=0.048, p=0.025, respectively). In a correlation analyses, age had a correlation with the left-hand placing of MMDT (r=-0.336,p=0.001); and left grip strength (r=0.219,p=0.039). Height and weight had a correlation with dynamic balance (r=-0.242,p=0.022; r=-0.244,p=0.021). Weight and BMI had a correlation with static balance (r=0.342,p=0.001; r=0.305,p=0.004) and EMG Biofeedback score (r=0.237,p=0.025; r=0.212,p=0.046). Conclusion: Manual dexterity and hand grip strength develop with age in children, and girls' manual and finger dexterities are better than boys. While the increase in BMI and weight affect static balance negatively, the increase in height and weight affect dynamic balance positively. It is thought that investigating the factors affecting motor competence will be important in evaluating the development of children and directing them to appropriate sports.&#x0D; Keywords: Balance, Manual dexterity, Finger dexterity, Muscle activation

Assessment of sensorimotor and strength related function of breast cancer patients during systemic drug therapy: a prospective observational study

BackgroundChemotherapy is a well-known risk factor for sensorial and motor disturbances. Chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) which predominantly affects sensory nerves might cause a diminished fine motor function. This prospective observational study aimed to assess the sensorimotor functions of breast cancer patients before, during, and after chemotherapy.MethodsA total of 56 breast cancer patients were evaluated at three different times as follows: T1 (before chemotherapy), T2 (middle chemotherapy), and T3 (completion of chemotherapy). Motor function was assessed with handgrip strength (HGS), peripheral muscle strength (PMS), and the Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test (MMDT). Semmes Weinstein Monofilament Test (SWMT) was performed to assess the sensory function. Fatigue was evaluated with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Module Cancer Related Fatigue (EORTC-QLQ-FA12), respectively.ResultsHGS and MMDT were found significant (χ2: 11.279, p = 0.004 and χ2: 9.893, p = 0.007, respectively) whereas PMS was not found significant (F (2,110) = 1.914, p = 0.152). Pairwise comparisons with Bonferroni adjustments revealed that HGS was found significant between T1 and T3, while significant results were obtained between T1 and T2 as well as T2 and T3 in MMDT (p = 0.01 and p = 0.042). There were significant results in some reference points of SWMT, though they were not found after pairwise comparisons with Bonferroni adjustment (p > 0.05). Fatigue was found significantly increased from T1 through T3 (Median: 19.44 vs 27.77, z: -2.347, p = 0.019, Wilcoxon test).ConclusionOur study showed that decreased handgrip strength and fine motor function, as well as increased fatigue, are evident during the chemotherapy. SWMT can be an optional assessment in the context of tracking changes in cutaneous sensation during chemotherapy due to its non-invasive, cheap, and easily repeatable features among cancer patients. To preserve functional capacity as well as independence in daily living, precautions and follow up assessments during the systemic therapy process should be integrated as early as possible to prevent future deteriorations in daily life for patients who undergo chemotherapy.Trial registrationNCT04799080.

No Differences Between Instrument-Independent Manual Dexterity and Finger Dexterity of Musicians and Nonmusicians

Dexterity is one of the abilities required for different types of work and is divided into manual and finger dexterity. The aim of this study was to examine whether there was a difference in manual and finger dexterity between musicians and nonmusicians, and between musicians divided by instrument groups and nonmusicians. The study included 128 participants (96 musicians, 32 nonmusicians). Musicians were divided into three groups as wind, string, and keyboard instrument players. The Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test (MMDT) for manual dexterity and Purdue Pegboard Test (PPT) for finger dexterity were used. Independent samples t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used for MMDT, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for PPT between musicians and nonmusicians. The Kruskal-Wallis H test and one-way ANOVA were used for comparisons of the MMDT and PPT between nonmusicians and musicians divided by instrument groups. There were no differences between musicians and nonmusicians in terms of MMDT and PPT (p>0.05). When musicians were divided by instrument groups, there was a statistically significant difference in only the left-hand subtest of PPT (p=0.038). In pairwise comparisons, significant differences were found between wind and string instrument players (p=0.036), keyboard and string players (p=0.012), and nonmusicians and string players (p=0.015). Wind and keyboard players and nonmusicians were more successful than string players in terms of left-hand finger dexterity. Future studies can be designed that investigate the effects of bilateral asymmetrical-symmetrical training on finger dexterity of the left hand and evaluate the performances of musicians in areas other than music.

Effect of Rehabilitation Interventions on Post-Stroke Upper Limb Dysfunction and Cognitive Functions: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION. The prevalence of upper limb dysfunction and cognitive impairments are frequently observed following stroke, but are often considered as distinct entities, and there is little evidence regarding how they are related, as well as rehabilitation methods are aimed at monodomain restoration of any of these impairments. AIM. To analyze the data of recent years on the impact of rehabilitation interventions on cognitive and the upper limb (UL) motor functions in patients with stroke, and to establish how they are related. MATERIAL AND METHODS. The search was carried out in the Medline, Web of Science, PubMed and Scopus sources in accordance with the PRISMA principles and initially revealed 2,841 records. Of these, 35 articles were included in the study with publication 2011–2022. Keywords were used: stroke, movement, motor, upper limb, cognition, cognitive, cognitive-motor, motor-cognitive function. The relationship between cognitive impairments and the degree of restoration of the UL motor function under the influence of various rehabilitation interventions was assessed. RESULTS. Five studies were selected for meta-analysis with the inclusion of 180 stroke patients. It is shown that the improvement of cognitive tests (MoCA) is accompanied by an improvement in UL motor impairments (FMA, Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test), while hand dexterity (Box and blocks, NHPT, Minnesota manual dexterity test) remained without statistically significant changes during medical rehabilitation. CONCLUSION. The meta-analysis provides evidence of the relationship and mutual influence of cognitive functions on motor recovery and manual dexterity. However, the small sample size and heterogeneity of available studies are still limiting factors for obtaining unambiguous conclusions.

Upper limb training using visual feedback for children with cerebral palsy

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate that if upper limb visual feedback training added to the usual therapy was effective on upper limb functions in children with cerebral palsy. Methods: Thirty-eight children with cerebral palsy (4-18 years) participated in the study. The participants were randomly assigned into two groups. Study group (n=19, mean age 8.50±3.40, 53% female) received visual feedback training plus usual therapy twice a week for 8 weeks, 16 sessions in total, while control group (n=19, mean age 10.60±3.80, 42% female) received only usual therapy. The participants’ Gross Motor Function Classification System levels were between I-III and spasticity levels were between ‘0’ to ‘1+’ according to Modified Ashworth Scale. Upper limb range of motion (ROM), grip and pinch strength, hand skills (Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test (MMDT)), and functional abilities (Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ)) were assessed before and after treatment. Results: The change amount in shoulder flexion (p=0.004) and abduction (p=0.01), supination (p=0.019) and wrist flexion (p=0.004) and extension (p=0.00) ROM values; bilateral MMDT scores (p=0.003) were statistically significantly improved in study group compared to control group. Conclusion: Adding visual feedback training to the usual therapy program of children with cerebral palsy was found to be effective in some outcome measurements such as upper limb ROM and hand skills. In the long-term rehabilitation process, this new training method may be an alternative additive option for children, families, and physiotherapists.

A Call to Evaluate Manual Dexterity of Prospective Surgical Trainees

IntroductionThis study assesses the correlation between academic grades and gross and fine motor skills in prospective surgical trainees. MethodsForty-seven General Surgery Residency applicants and 32 medical students with prospective surgical interests were recruited. Manual dexterity (MD) was assessed through six tasks: O'Connor Tweezer Dexterity Test and Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test; Peg Transfer Test Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (box); Ring and Rail, Thread the Ring and Suture Sponge (da Vinci Surgical Simulator). ResultsMedical students with higher academic scores had longer completion times for the peg transfer test (P = 0.013). Individuals who played musical instruments and perceived themselves to have “Excellent” MD and motor coordination (MC) were more likely to score higher on the Thread the Ring test (P = 0.007; P = 0.009 ,respectively). Those who perceived themselves to have “Mediocre” MD and MC performed the worst on the: O'Connor Tweezer Dexterity Test (P = 0.023). ConclusionsPreliminary data suggest that MD ability correlates with neither high United States Medical Licensing Examination scores nor high academic grades; however, previous experience playing a musical instrument and high self-ratings of MD/MC may be associated with better test performance.

The minnesota manual dexterity test as a bimanual performance measure in people with multiple sclerosis

BackgroundIncreasing knowledge about unilateral or bilateral upper limb (UL) involvement in multiple sclerosis (MS) has revealed the need for an objective assessment tool. ObjectiveThe aims of our study were to evaluate manual dexterity using Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test (MMDT) in people with MS (pwMS), to investigate the validity and feasibility of MMDT, and to examine its relationship with other variables. MethodsEighty pwMS and forty healthy controls were enrolled. Demographic and clinical characteristics of pwMS were recorded, and manual dexterity, activity performance of the UL, hand grip and pinch strength, and fatigue levels were evaluated. Validity was performed using the Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT). Feasibility was evaluated with questions directed to pwMS. The relationship between MMDT and strength, ABILHAND, fatigue, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and disease duration was examined and multiple regression analysis was established. ResultsFor the MMDT of pwMS were mean placing-dominant 82.73 s, mean placing-nondominant 88.6 s, and mean two-hand turning and placing 61.75 s. All results were statistically significantly different compared to healthy controls. There was moderate to high correlation between the subtests of the MMDT and the NHPT. 85–90% positive feedback was received for the feasibility of MMDT. A significant interaction was found between all subtests of MMDT and EDSS, ABILHAND and disease duration in predicting manual dexterity scores. ConclusionsMMDT is a valid and feasible tool for assessing manual dexterity and it can be used as an appropriate outcome measure in researches aiming to evaluate bilateral UL function in pwMS.

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.

Investigation of hand functions in individuals with cannabis and its derivatives use disorder.

The present study was aimed to compare the grip/pinch strengths and manual dexterity of individuals with and without the use of cannabis and its derivatives. A cross-sectional prospective study was conducted with 66 individuals, including 33 cases with the use of cannabis (and its derivatives) and 33 age- and sex-matched controls. Grip and pinch strengths were evaluated with a dynamometer. The Nine-Hole Peg Test (9HPT), Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test (MMDT), and Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ) were used to assess the hand function. The hand grip strength and dominant hand 2-point pinch (2PP) grip strength were less in individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) (p < 0.05). The 9HPT duration of the SUD patients was higher (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the MMDT insertion and rotation test results were different between the groups (p < 0.05). Grip strength was related with the MMDT insertion and rotation tests (r = -0.411 to -0.480). There was significant correlation between grip strength with dominant hand 9HPT (r = -0.370) and between dominant hand 3-point pinch (3PP) strength with MMDT insertion (r = -0.378). In addition, dominant hand 2PP strength was correlated with overall hand function of MHQ (r = 0.382). The individuals with cannabis use disorder showed reduced grip strength on both sides and decreased 2PP strength on the dominant side compared to healthy individuals. In addition, there is a decrease in the hand skills of individuals with cannabis use disorder. Decreased grip strength of individuals with cannabis use disorder affected their hand skills negatively.

Occupational Performance and Hand Function in People With Parkinson’s Disease After Participation in Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) BIG®

People with Parkinson's disease (PD) experience motor and functional impairment that can negatively affect daily living and participation. To examine the occupational performance and hand function outcomes of people with PD who participated in a Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) BIG® program. Retrospective record review. Outcomes were extracted from patient charts at a hospital outpatient clinic. Sixty-six clinic outpatients with PD who completed the LSVT BIG program. An occupational therapist and a physical therapist who were certified in LSVT BIG administration delivered the 16-session LSVT BIG program. Outcomes and Measures: The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), grip strength, and Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test (MMDT) were administered before and after participation in LSVT BIG training. For participant-identified COPM goals, pre-post changes were significant, ranging from 3 to 6 points for performance and satisfaction (p < .001). Grip strength in both hands showed significant gains; median scores for the right hand increased from 55.0 lb (interquartile range [IQR] 41.0, 70.0) to 64.0 lb (IQR 46.0, 80.0; p < .001) and for the left hand from 52.0 lb (IQR 39.0, 64.0) to 63.0 lb (IQR 44.5, 79.5; p < .001). MMDT median scores for right to left also significantly improved, from 124.0 s (IQR 113.0, 181.0) to 119.5 s (IQR 105.5, 163.5; p = .014). Participation in the LSVT BIG program can improve perceived occupational performance and satisfaction and produce gains in hand strength and dexterity for people with PD. What This Article Adds: This study is the first retrospective review of data on occupational performance and hand function outcomes after participation in the LSVT BIG program. The findings of beneficial outcomes support the use of LSVT BIG in occupational therapy services to increase functional abilities among people with PD.

Effect of Kinesio taping on wrist kinematics and functional performance: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundKinesio taping (KT) is a popular adjunct treatment modality for musculoskeletal injuries, hand and wrist injuries. The effectiveness of KT on wrist kinematics has been analyzed during single plane movements in general, and no study has investigated its effectiveness during dart throwing motion (DTM). PurposeTo compare the effects of different KT techniques on wrist kinematics during DTM and functional performance of hand in healthy participants. Study DesignRandomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. MethodsSeventy-two healthy participants were included. Dominant wrist kinematics during DTM was evaluated by a Leap motion controller and wrist functional performance was evaluated by Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test. In order to compare the effects of KT on different muscles and also the effects of KT and placebo taping (PT), wrists of participants were evaluated under 5 conditions: without any taping, KT on flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU), KT on extensor carpi radialis brevis and longus (ECRB/L), PT on FCU and PT on ECRB/L. Means of outcome measures without any taping and with different 4 tapings were compared by repeated measures analysis of variance. PT and KT effects were compared by Wilcoxon signed rank test. ResultsDTM range increased (P = .0) and Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test time decreased (P = .0) after KT and PT applications on FCU and ECRB/L muscles. Amount of change in wrist kinematics (P = .0; effect size = 0.2 and 0.3) and functional performance (P = .0; effect size = 0.6 and 0.8) were more obvious with KT applications, independent from the muscles they were applied on (P = .2 for wrist kinematics and P = .7 for functional performance). ConclusionsKT on either FCU or ECRB/L muscles improve wrist kinematics and functional performance, significantly. Further studies should investigate if these findings apply for the patients with different wrist injuries, for both immediate- and long-term effectiveness.

Evaluation of an upper limb robotic rehabilitation program on motor functions, quality of life, cognition, and emotional status in patients with stroke: a randomized controlled study.

This study aims to find out whether including robotic therapy in addition to a conventional rehabilitation program affects the quality of life, motor function, cognition, and emotional status of hemiplegic patients. Thirty-seven stroke patients recruited between April 2016 and April 2019 were included in the study. The patients were randomized into 2 groups (Robotic rehabilitation group-RR n:17, Control group n:20), RR was arranged to be 30-45min, 5days per week for 4weeks. All patients were assessed at the beginning of therapy and the end of 4th week with Brunnstrom stages of motor recovery, Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), handgrip strength, Purdue peg test, Minnesota manual dexterity test, Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale (SS-QOL), Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living (NEADL) Scale, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES- D). Improvements in motor function scores, spasticity, general functioning, activities of daily living, cognitive assessment were better in the robotic group when compared to the control group but this difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Improvement in the CES-D in the RR-group was better in comparison to the control group (p = 0.018). Improvements in motor functions were observed after the treatment in both groups. Although RR group improved better in numbers, none of the outcomes except the CES-D scale were significant. Robotic rehabilitation provides a favorable alternative bringing slight benefits, and also is advantageous in terms of work power and psychological recovery, making its addition to conventional neurological rehabilitation effective and useful in patient management after stroke. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04393480.

Phase IIB Randomized Trial on the Use of 4-Aminopyridine in Guillain-Barré Syndrome

ObjectiveTo determine the safety and efficacy of orally delivered 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) in persons with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) >6 months from initial diagnosis. DesignA randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. SettingTertiary care clinical outpatient program. ParticipantsNineteen participants enrolled (14 male, 5 female; N=19), neurologic impairment secondary to GBS and functional loss on the FIM motor score (stable for ≥12mo) and >3.0 but <5.0 on the American Spinal Injury motor scale. Twelve participants (mean age, 59y; range, 23-77y) completed the study. InterventionsA 4-AP dose-escalation study with 8 weeks in each period with a 3-week washout period, followed by 3 months open-label follow-up. Main Outcome MeasuresFIM motor score was the primary outcome measure; also evaluated were the American Spinal Injury motor strength score (all limbs), handheld dynamometer, 6-minute walk test, Medical Outcomes Study 12-Item Short Form, Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, pain, GBS disability scale, Jepsen-Taylor Hand Function Test, Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test and Minnesota Rate of Manipulation Test, Get Up and Go Test, McGill Pain Inventory, Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique, and participant self-evaluation. ResultsSeven participants discontinued the study prematurely: 3 because of adverse events, 3 because of travel difficulties or relocation, and 1 because of pretreatment laboratory abnormalities. After removing 3 participants with maximum FIM scores, 4-AP arm trended superior to placebo (P=.065). Patients subjectively could always tell when they were on the active agent usually by tingling sensations or a sense of wellness. No statistically significant differences were found for other outcome measures although there were strong trends. ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the safety of 4-AP in the patient population with GBS as the predominate goal of the study. A trend toward improved function after treatment was noted with most patients electing to stay on the medication after the trial.

The combined effect of industrial noise type, level and frequency characteristics on hand motor skills: A lab trial study

The study aimed to assess the interactive effects of industrial noise type, level and frequency characteristics on hand motor skills using the Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test and the Hand Tool Dexterity Test. A total of ten nonsmoking male volunteers with normal hearing and vision were selected for this study. The study followed a full 3×3×2 factorial design. Independent variables were noise type (steady, intermittent and fluctuating), noise level (75, 85 and 95 dBA) and frequency characteristics ("roar" <2000 Hz and "hiss" >2000 Hz). For Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test, the lowest speed is related to steady hiss noise at 75 dBA and the highest speed is related to fluctuating roar noise at 95 dBA. The speed is being significantly affected by the frequency characteristic (P = 0.041) and noise type (P = 0.025). The effect of hiss noise on speed is greater than roar noise (P = 0.038). There is a significant difference (P = 0.035) between continuous noise and fluctuating noise. For the Hand Tool Dexterity Test, the lowest speed is related to fluctuating hiss noise at 95 dBA and the highest speed is related to steady roar noise at 95 dBA. The speed is being significantly affected by the frequency characteristic (P = 0.002), noise type (P = 0.0001) and noise level (P = 0.005). The effect of hiss noise on response variable to be greater than roar noise (P = 0.008). There is a significant difference (P = 0.0001) between steady noise and the two other types of noise, and also there is a significant difference between 75 dBA and 85 dBA level (P = 0.003). The results showed that on hand motor skills, speed response was influenced by three characteristics: the type of noise, frequency characteristics and noise level. Also, the effect of the hiss noise was more than the roar noise.

Effect of strengthening exercises in Hirayama disease: a case study

Background/AimsThe effects of strengthening exercises in patients with Hirayama disease are not well documented. This case study examined the effect of strengthening exercises on hand functions in a patient with Hirayama disease.MethodsAn 18-year-old man with weakness in the right hand was given a hand-function strengthening programme consisting of 40 minutes of exercises, which were performed 5 days a week over an 8-week period. The patient used theraputty, a gel ball, finger dexterity board, gym kit and hand grip exerciser. The effects of the programme were evaluated using manual muscle testing, a hand-held dynamometer, pinchometer and the Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test.ResultsThe patient's manual muscle testing grades improved following the strengthening programme. Results from the Dynamometer, pinchometer and Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test objectively exhibited increased muscle strength and improved hand functions.ConclusionsStrengthening exercises are effective in alleviating muscle weakness and improving hand functions associated with Hirayama disease.

MODIFIED THERAPEUTIC WORK PROGRAM (MTWP) FOR WRIST INJURIES

Wrist injuries by colles’ or fracture of distal radius are the most prominent diagnosis referred to occupational therapy department for work program in India. In this project, a modified therapeutic work program for wrist injuries was evaluated. The objective of the study is to find out whether MTWP addressed to enhance the work skills and its success in the client return to work, level of work satisfaction &amp; self-performance level post injured wrist. A different subject prospective, experimental, flexible pre-and-posttest intervention design followed by descriptive analysis with questionnaire has been used for the purpose of this study. The Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test, Hand Dynamometer, Pinch meter, Short Form-36 (version 1) was the main outcome measure. 51 patients with dominant hand injured, shared similar demographic background with post-injured from 8 to 40 weeks with mean age of 16 weeks. Paired t-test showed significance difference (p&lt;0.05) improve in work skill in pre-post MTWP. 94% clients who completed the program returned to work and switched over to different position and different type of work. 56% clients return to competitive employment with same work type, work situation, having work satisfaction and 80-100% work skills in compare to pre MTWP work situation. KEY WORDS: Therapeutic Work Program, Wrist Injuries, Colle’s Fracture, Quality Of Life.

The immediate effect of thumb orthoses on upper extremity’s movement: A kinematic analysis of five unique devices

BackgroundThumb orthoses are a standard treatment modality, with substantial evidence to support its usage for multiple conditions affecting the upper extremity. Despite commonly prescribed, little is known about the immediate impact of such devices on the upper extremity, including potential modifications on motor patterns. Research questionWe aimed to determine the changes in the upper limb kinematics during the usage of thumb orthotics, comparing differences in orthotic design, length, and fabrication materials. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, subjects performed a standardized reaching task and the placing subtest of the Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test (MMDT) while wearing five unique thumb orthoses. Besides the active range of motion of the shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand joints, movement smoothness (Number of Movement Units-NMU), speed, and motion control strategies were analyzed through eight Qualisys Oqus 300 cameras (Qualisys AB, Göteborg, Sweden). FindingsTen non-disabled, university students participated in this study. Despite differences in fabrication materials, all orthotics reduced thumb's abduction (13.3° to 4.3°), and metacarpophalangeal flexion (11.5° to 4.2°). Although orthotics impacted movement smoothness and hand function during its usage, forearm-based devices further increased the NMUs and the time required for the MMDT performance (Control: NMU = 4.8, MMDT = 58.1; Long Orthotics: NMU = 6.6, MMDT = 78.2), while short, flexible orthoses provided thumb stabilization without significant impact on upper extremity movement strategies. SignificanceAlthough joint stabilization was similar among orthotics fabricated with rigid and flexible materials, the improved hand dexterity observed during the use of flexible devices suggests an advantage of flexible orthotics for enhanced stability and hand function. These results can assist healthcare professionals during the selection and prescription of thumb orthotics, providing information not only on the range of motion but other sensorimotor aspects involved in upper extremity movement patterns that may be affected by orthotics usage.

Assessment of training and selected factors on speed and quality of performing different tasks on the endoscopic simulator.

IntroductionOne of the most significant challenges nowadays is to educate and predict the predispositions of young surgeons taking into consideration that every ability has its own learning curve.AimTo determine the influence of selected factors and examine the shape and the length of the learning curve in performing simple tasks on an endoscopic simulator.Material and methodsTwenty students took part in 4 training sessions with a one-week break between sessions. They were training 12 min and performed three tasks at every session on the endoscopic simulator. To identify whether selected factors influence the time of completing tasks, the participants were asked to fill in questionnaires. All participants also completed the Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test (MMDT) to assess hand-eye coordination.ResultsOur research reveals that regardless of activities performed in free time, the shape of the learning curve was logarithmic. Improvement after the fourth session ranged from 50% to 75%. Performing specific activities in the free time did not influence the results achieved on the simulator. No statistically significant correlation between MMDT results and the time to accomplish each task was found.ConclusionsThis study has shown that the length of the learning curve of performing simple tasks is quite short and the shape is logarithmic. It suggests that more complex exercises should be included in the training programme.