Grip Pinch Strength Research Articles

Physical capacity and performance correlation in sub-elite Indonesian archery athletes

The aim of this research is to analyse the physical components that can support the proper archery performance of young Indonesian athletes. This research employed a quantitative descriptive design involving 18 athletes from the East Java and West Java Archery Training Centre as the research subjects. Each athlete carried out a physical test consisting of 9 physical test items (1' incline sit up, Bosy Right, Bosy Left, MFT, Hover, Superman Back Hold, Pinch Grip, standing balance test, standing archery hold), which the trainer has prepared according to the needs of archery. After that, archery performance assessment was done using the recurve division's individual qualification system, i.e., arrow athletes performed 72 arrow shots. The data were then analysed using descriptive tests, silhouette method tests, and K-means clustering analysis to classify physical components and simplify the data collection process. These processes increased the accuracy of changes needed in the training process to improve athlete performance. A correlation test was also conducted using a Spearman's rho with a significance p<0.05. The study's results revealed that the silhouette method divided the variables into six clusters. The K-means cluster analysis results showed that exercises focused more on the arms, while trunk and lower extremity exercises received less attention. The research also found two physical aspects that had a positive and significant correlation with archery performance, namely, left pinch grip and right pinch grip. In addition, this research showed that the archers’ physical aspects of pinch grip strength (left and right) were closely related to performance achievements or scores in archery. Keywords: Physical capacity, sub-elite athletes, archery, archery performance.

Assessment of Hand Grip Strength and Pinch Grip Strength among Healthy Embroidery Workers: Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Embroidery is a craft that decorates fabric or other materials by using a needle to apply thread or yarn. Hand and finger strength is essential during embroidery design to minimize discomfort and risk of upper extremity injuries Aims and objective: This study aims to assess hand grip strength and pinch grip strength among healthy embroidery workers. Methodology: 100 embroidery workers were recruited. Demographic details including BMI were taken in self-designed form. Hand grip strength was assessed by Jamar Hand Held Dynamometer. Pinch grip strength was assessed by a Pinch Guage Dynamometer. Statistical analysis was done using the Python software. Results: The study included 100 subjects that involved all female subjects aged 20 to 40 yrs. with 4 or more than 4 years of experience. The study showed that the hand grip strength of embroidery workers was more affected than the pinch grip strength. This study also showed that age is not related to the hand grip and pinch grip strength. It also showed that an increase in the years of experience increases hand grip and pinch grip strength (p< 0.05) as well as grip strength was more in the dominant hand(p<0.0001). Conclusion: Hand grip strength was found to be affected more than the pinch grip strength. They found no correlation with the age and there was a correlation with years of experience. KEYWORDS: Jamar Hand Held Dynamometer, Pinch Guage Dynamometer, strength, Age, skill workers.

Iron deficiency anemia in relation to pinch strength and hand dexterity in preschool children: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundIron deficiency anemia (IDA) constitutes a considerable nutritional problem in Egyptian preschool children. Moreover, IDA limits physical activity performance and interferes with children's development. Accordingly, we aim to investigate the correlation between IDA and hand dexterity and pinch grip strength in preschool children.ResultsThis observational cross-sectional study encompassed the participation of 87 children, comprising both genders, with an age range of 5–6 years. The cohort was initially stratified into three distinct groups: Group A comprised 36 non-anemic children, group B included 25 children with mild iron-deficiency anemia (IDA), and group C consisted of 26 children with moderate IDA. After group delineation, comprehensive laboratory analyses were performed on all participants to assess for IDA, involving a thorough examination of their complete blood picture, hemoglobin (Hb) levels, serum iron levels, and serum ferritin levels. The evaluative metrics employed in this study encompassed the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-Second Edition (BOT-2) and the Baseline Mechanical Pinch Gauge. These instruments were utilized to assess manual dexterity and pinch strength, specifically tip-to-tip and tripod strength. This investigation revealed a positive correlation between Hb, serum iron, and serum ferritin levels with both manual dexterity and pinch strength across all three groups.ConclusionThis study highlights that IDA negatively affects hand dexterity and pinch grip strength in preschool children. Managing IDA early is crucial for improving their physical performance and overall development.

Short-term effects of running exercise on pinch strength, grip strength, and manual dexterity of the dominant and non-dominant hands

Occupations including first responders and military require manual tasks; therefore changes in hand strength and dexterity could affect performance. We hypothesised that pinch strength, grip strength, and dexterity will change after unloaded and loaded exercise. Twenty-four male (25 ± 4.0 yrs; 86.3 ± 9.3 kg) and 10 female (25 ± 6.0 yrs; 62.1 ± 5.9 kg) participants completed 3 conditions for 5 minutes: (1) no exercise (2) run with no load at 3.0 m/s and (3) run wearing a 9.1 kg belt. Heart rate was different among conditions (p ≤ 0.05). Pinch strength was significantly different for the non-dominant hand after exercise (p = 0.005) for male participants, but not for the dominant hand. Grip strength was significantly different for the non-dominant hand between loaded and unloaded run (p = 0.035) for male participants. Pinch and grip strength did not change after exercise for female participants. Dexterity times were not different after exercise, but female participants were significantly faster (p ≤ 0.039) than male participants.

Hand grips strength in athletic and non-athletic girls at different phases of menstrual cycle: an observational case–control study

BackgroundThere are a significant number of female athletes competing at the highest levels of sport. But, women are still largely underrepresented in scientific literature. The female menstrual cycle is characterized by variations in circulating hormone levels, which may have an impact on performance.AimThis study aimed to assess the impact of hormonal changes through different menstrual cycle phases on hand grip strength, pulp pinch strength, three fingers pinch strength, and lateral pinch strength of athletic and non-athletic girls.MethodsAn observational case control study was conducted on forty post-pubertal girls, their ages ranged from 16 to 22 years old, and their body mass index (BMI) ranged from 18.5 to 25 kg/m2. They were divided into two groups: athletic group of twenty basketball and tennis players recruited from basketball and tennis teams at Mena Garden City Club, 6 October Club, and Shooting Club October and non-athletic group of twenty non-sportive undergraduate students from Faculty of Physical Therapy, Misr University for Science and Technology. Hand grip strength was evaluated by Jamar hand dynamometer, while pulp pinch strength, three fingers pinch strength, and lateral pinch strength were evaluated by Jamar pinch gauge through three different menstrual cycle phases (follicular, ovulatory and luteal phases).ResultsStatistical analysis demonstrated a significant increase in handgrip strength, pulp pinch strength, three fingers pinch strength, and lateral pinch strength in non-athletic group. Also, there was a significant increase in three fingers pinch strength and lateral pinch strength in athletic group during the ovulatory phase across the menstrual cycle (p < 0.05). But, there was a significant difference across menstrual phases in handgrip strength and pulp pinch strength in athletic group (p > 0.05).ConclusionHormonal changes during menstrual cycle phases do not alter handgrip strength, pulp pinch strength performance for athletic girls. But, they alter hand grip strength, pulp pinch strength, three fingers, and lateral pinch grip strength performance for non-athletic girls.Trial registrationThe protocol of the study was registered in clinical trials.gov PRS (Protocol Registration and Result System (registration No.NCT06086262), Registered on 17 October 2023). The study received ethical approval from the Institutional Review Board of the Faculty of Physical Therapy at Cairo University prior to its beginning (approval No P.T.REC/012/003358) .

The Relationship Between Smartphone Usage Duration with Hand Grip, Pinch Grip Strength and It’s Impact on NCS Motor Parameters of Median Nerve in Young Population – An Observational Study

Background: There seems to be a lack of literature regarding the association between handgrip strength and nerve conduction parameters of the median nerve among smartphone users in the young population. There is a need to investigate the inter-relation of grip strength with smartphone usage and motor parameters of the median nerve by carrying out a nerve conduction study. Aims: The study aims to find out the correlation between hand-grip and pinch-grip strength on nerve conduction study motor parameters among smartphone users. Methods and Material: 112 young adult participants were included. Hang grip strength and pinch grip strength were assessed for both hands and after three trials, the average was calculated. The average screen time of their smartphones over the past week was noted, and simultaneously, the motor nerve conduction study parameter of the median nerve was performed. Statistical analysis: Pearson’s correlation was applied to find out the correlation between the component of the handgrip, pinch grip, and motor nerve conduction velocity of the median nerve. The p-value of &lt; 0.001 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study obtained a significant negative correlation between smartphone usage with amplitude and nerve conduction velocity and a significant positive correlation with the latency of the median nerve. Conclusions: The study concluded that smartphone usage reduces the hand grip and pinch grip strength and significantly affects the motor parameters of the median nerve. KEYWORDS: Smartphone screen time, hand grip strength, pinch grip strength, median nerve.

Ab. No. 163 Effect of 12 Week Activity-Based Exercise Program on Upper Extremity Function in Patients With Type II Diabetes With and Without Shoulder Dysfunction

Introduction: the study evaluates the effect of 12 week activity-based exercise program(ABEP)on upper extremity(UE)functions in patients with type II diabetes with and without shoulder dysfunction(SD). Participants-88 participants with typeII diabetes with SD(n=44)and without SD(n=44) including both male and female between 40-60 years of age were recruited using convenient sampling method. Methods: The study commenced after the approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee. Outcome measures evaluated were pain intensity, UE range of motion (ROM)and muscle strength, shoulder joint proprioception (JP), grip strength, pinch grip and disability scores. Patients were trained with ABEP for 12 weeks. Treatment outcome was recorded after every 4 weeks up to completion of 12 weeks, post which all the outcome variables were re-assessed to compare the difference. Result: Significant reduction was observed in pain intensity(p=0.00) and disability scores (p=0.0)along with improvement in shoulder joint ROM(p=0.01),muscular strength(p=0.00),shoulder JP(p=0.01)hand grip strength(p=0.02)and pinch grip strength(p=0.00)in patients with SD. There was significant improvement seen in muscular strength(p=0.02) in patients without SD. There was significant reduction seen in HbA1c levels in patients with SD(p= 0.05)and without SD(p=0.02). Conclusion: The study concluded that in individuals with type II diabetes with SD, an ABEP was effective in improving UE functions. It was also observed that patients who did not had SD, demonstrated an improvement in muscle strength and decrease in HbA1c levels. Implications: ABEP as a home exercise program is proved to be beneficial in improving UE functions.

Minimally invasive percutaneous screw internal fixation under robot navigation for the treatment of a hamate bone fracture

PurposeHamate fractures are rare fractures of the wrist and there is still no consensus on the optimal treatment for these fractures, especially hook of hamate fractures. Herein, the authors present a case study of a series of patients who were treated with closed reduction and minimally invasive percutaneous fixation under robot navigation.MethodsThis retrospective study reviewed 14 patients who had nondisplaced or minimally displaced hamate fractures on computerized tomography images and were treated using the treatment in our centre from November 1, 2019, to October 31, 2022. At the final follow-up, the flexion-extension and radial-ulnar range of motion of the wrist were measured, and the grip strength and pinch strength were measured. The pain of the wrist was assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS). The Mayo wrist score reflected the recovery of the wrist.ResultsThe mean total operative duration was 40.1 min. All the fractures showed union at a mean of 3.0 months. At a mean follow-up of 23.3 months (range 6–36 months), the mean VAS score was 0.7, the average Mayo wrist score was 95, and the mean pinch strength and grip strength were 11.3 and 38.7 kg, respectively. The flexion-extension arc was 138.3°, the mean radial and ulnar deviation arc was 63.8°, and the mean pronation-supination arc was 172.3°. And the time of return to the original occupation was mean 4 months (3~6 months). There were no complications, such as infection or nerve paralysis.ConclusionsThis study suggests that nondisplaced or minimally displaced hamate hook fractures can be successfully treated by closed reduction and internal fixation with a headless compression screw with the assistance of robot navigation, and the small fragment of fracture can be accurately fixed with minimal iatrogenic injury.

Long-term results of index finger pollicization for congenital thumb anomalies: a systematic review.

This systematic review analyses the literature for long-term outcomes of index finger pollicization. This review includes all seven studies that reported outcomes of index finger pollicization for congenital thumb aplasia or hypoplasia for qualitative review. The seven studies included 108 index finger pollicizations with 54% male children. The studies did not describe the preoperative quality and function of the transposed index finger. Grip strength was in the range of 52%-76% of the contralateral hand. Lateral pinch and key grip strength were also approximately 50% of the contralateral hand. The main drawback of the collective literature is the lack of homogeneity of results and a standardized protocol for reporting postoperative outcomes. These factors need to be addressed to compare the long-term results of pollicizations accurately.

Correlation between Hand Tripod Pinch Grip and Handwriting Quality impact on Academic Performance- A Narrative Review

Background: Hand is an important structure used for reaching, holding object predominantly for that grasp and grip strength particularly tripod pinch grip strength is very essential and handwriting is one of the skilled fine motor movements in that deft handwriting which include particular speed with legible writing product is needed for students especially for their higher grades to achieve their best academic performance. Objective: Deft Handwriting is an essential functional skill that impacts on Academic performance and progress from primary school level to higher grades, mostly assumed that grasp and tripod pinch grip affects legibility, speed, yet research studies examining this relationship as correlation are limited. Method: We used Narrative review methodology to map existing research on tripod pinch grip and handwriting quality from the school-age children to higher grades and to identify gaps in the literature. Results: Ten articles met search criteria and were categorized by grasp patterns which mainly include tripod –dynamic tripod grip strength and handwriting performance in speed and readability and grasp kinetics and handwriting performance. Findings suggest an inefficient grasp can lead to decreased handwriting quality i.e legibility and speed. The current literature is inconclusive and several gaps were identified. Conclusion: Tripod pinch grip strength consider as an important since the thump ,index and middle finger its fine motor action , pressure and force exerted on the pencil since static and dynamic tripod pinch commonly used with students if the student lack of this factor finally end in the low academic performance which affect their higher grades, hence Early Analysis at the primary level and early intervention with maintain the higher grades consider as an essential factor reveals from the article. &#x0D;

Partial Denervation of the Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint: A New Technique.

To report the clinical outcomes of partial denervation for the treatment of basilar thumb joint arthritis. Patients who underwent partial denervation of the basilar thumb joint for osteoarthritis from a single center between 2019 and 2021 were recruited into the study. This involved a technique that involved cauterization of the joint capsule and its innervation through the branches of the superficial radial, palmar cutaneous branch of the median, lateral antebrachial, and ulnar nerves. Patients were followed up postoperatively to record clinical (grip strength, thumb apposition and opposition pinch grip strength, Kapandji score) and patient-reported outcomes (visual analogue scale [VAS], Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand [QuickDASH], Patient-reported Wrist Evaluation [PRWE]). Twelve patients (15 carpometacarpal joints; 9 female and 3 male patients) underwent a partial denervation of the thumb (Eaton stage 3-4). The mean age at the time of surgery was 63 ± 5 years (range 56-72). The mean clinical follow-up duration was 23 ± 11 months (range 9-42 months), and functional score follow-up duration was 27 ± 7 months (range 14-42 months). At the latest clinical follow, VAS score, Kapandji score, grip strength, and thumb apposition/opposition pinch strength all improved significantly (P < .05). The mean QuickDASH score was 30 ± 16, and PRWE score was 32 ± 17. Patients who had unilateral partial thumb denervation demonstrated greater improvement in grip strength than patients who had bilateral partial thumb denervation procedures (P = .01). In this clinical case series, our method of basilar thumb joint partial denervation has been effective in improving clinical outcomes and reducing pain due to osteoarthritis. IV, case series.

Cervical proprioception in Parkinson's disease and its correlation with manual dexterity function.

Cervical proprioception has a crucial role in posture and movement control. The study aimed to determine the relationship of cervical proprioception, cervical muscle strength and endurance with manual dexterity and hand strength in individuals with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD). Twenty individuals with PD (mean age:63.9 years) and 20 healthy individuals as a control group (mean age: 61.9 years) were recruited. Cervical joint position error (JPE), static endurance of neck muscles, activation of deep cervical flexor muscles (Craniocervical Flexion Test-CCFT), manual dexterity using Purdue Pegboard Test (PPT), cognitive and motor task on PPT, finger tapping test (FTT) and pinch-grip strength were assessed. Cervical JPE was significantly higher in individuals with PD than controls (p<0.05). The strength and endurance of the cervical muscles were significantly decreased in individuals with PD (p<0.05). There was a significant negative correlation of cervical JPE measurements with PPT, cognitive and motor tasks on PPT in the PD group (p<0.05). There was a significant negative correlation of the endurance of cervical flexor muscles with PPT and cognitive task on PPT (p<0.05). In addition, a significant positive correlation was found between cervical flexor endurance and hand strength in the PD group (p<0.05). Cervical proprioception and the strength and endurance of cervical muscles decrease in individuals with PD compared to healthy individuals. Impairment of cervical proprioception appears to be associated with poorer upper extremity performance. Detailed evaluation of the cervical region in PD may be useful in determining the factors affecting upper extremity function.

Investigation of the Relationship Between Functional Skills, Sensory Functions, and Anthropometric Properties of the Hand in Occupational Therapy Students Using Hierarchical Clustering Analysis

Purpose: This study aims to examine the relationship between functional skills, sensorimotor, and anthropometric variables of the hand in health science students.&#x0D; Material and Methods: The study was carried out on 70 students (21.51± 1.59 years; 61 women, 9 men) from Biruni University. Upper extremity anthropometric measurements were taken from the students. Hand Dynamometer and Pinchmeter were used for hand grip strength, Purdue Pegboard Test for hand dexterity, Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament for two-point discrimination, and Vibration Perception Test were used for sensory functions. Hierarchical cluster analysis was employed to find the clustering trend of the variables.&#x0D; Results: At the end of the research, two main clusters were obtained, of which four sub-clusters belonging to the second one were identified. The main cluster I contains pinch, dipod, tripod, lateral grip force, Purdue pegboard dominant, non-dominant, both, and assembly. Main cluster II contains finger lengths, palmar length, hand grip, total upper extremity length, height, two-point discrimination, vibration, weight, BMI, monofilament, palmar width, segmental arm, forearm, and hand length.&#x0D; Conclusion: As a result of the research, it was determined that pinch grip strength, dexterity, anthropometric and sensory characteristics were related to each other.

The Effects of Radial Extra Corporeal Shock Wave and Low-power Laser Therapies on Clinical and Electrophysiological Parameters in Moderate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Blinded Randomized Control Trial

Objectives: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common peripheral entrapment neuropathy with squeezing of the median nerve and the patient is unable to function properly. There are different physiotherapy interventions for the management of these patients and recently, shock wave therapy and low-power laser (LPL) have been widely used, but there is no strong evidence comparing the effect of shock wave therapy and LLLT. Therefore, this trial was designed to compare the effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), LPL, and routine interventions on clinical outcomes and electrophysiological parameters in patients with moderate CTS. Methods: Fifty-four patients were randomly assigned to the control (routine interventions), ESWT, and LPL therapy groups. All participants received transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapeutic ultrasound, hot pack, mobilization, and stretching for ten sessions over two weeks. Additionally, the ESWT group received radial ESWT in four sessions, and the LPL therapy group received laser in ten sessions. The primary outcomes were pain (assessed by the visual analog scale), function (assessed using the Boston questionnaire (BQ)), hand grip, and finger pinch strength. Secondary outcomes were electrophysiological parameters (distal motor and sensory latency and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) of the median nerve. Results: Time group interactions were significant for pain, the symptom severity subscale of BQ, finger pinch, and hand grip strength (p&lt;0.001). Significant improvements were seen in clinical and sensory latency and motor NCV of the median nerve (p&lt;0.05). The ESWT group experienced significant improvements with a large effect size in pain, function, and finger pinch strength compared to the control group (p&lt;0.01). Additionally, the LPL therapy group showed significant changes in the function and finger pinch and hand grip strength compared to the control group. There were no significant differences between the LPL therapy and ESWT groups except for pain in favor of the ESWT group. No significant differences were found among the three groups in electrophysiological parameters (p&gt;0.05). Discussion: Although laser therapy increased the efficacy of routine interventions, it seems adding ESWT to the routine treatment may be superior for the management of moderate CTS patients.

Effect of Smartphone Addiction Level on Manual and Finger Dexterity, Hand Grip Strength, Pinch Grip Strength, and Thumb Pressure Pain Threshold in University Students

Effect of Smartphone Addiction Level on Manual and Finger Dexterity, Hand Grip Strength, Pinch Grip Strength, and Thumb Pressure Pain Threshold in University Students

Subluxation of the first carpometacarpal joint and age are important factors in reduced hand strength in patients with hand osteoarthritis

Objective To investigate the determinants of hand strength in patients with hand osteoarthritis (OA). Method Pinch and cylinder grip strength were measured in 527 patients with hand OA diagnosed by their treating rheumatologist from the Hand OSTeoArthritis in Secondary care (HOSTAS) study. Radiographs of hands (22 joints) were scored 0–3 (scaphotrapeziotrapezoid and first interphalangeal joints 0–1) on osteophytes and joint space narrowing following the Osteoarthritis Research Society International atlas. The first carpometacarpal joint (CMC1) was scored 0–1 for subluxation. Pain was assessed with the Australian/Canadian Hand Osteoarthritis Index pain subscale, and health-related quality of life with the Short Form-36. Regression analysis served to investigate associations of hand strength with patient, disease, and radiographic features. Results Hand strength was negatively associated with female sex, age, and pain. Reduced hand strength was associated with reduced quality of life, although less after adjusting for pain. Radiographic features of hand OA were associated with reduced grip strength when solely adjusted for sex and body mass index, but only CMC1 subluxation in the dominant hand remained significantly associated with pinch grip adjusted additionally for age (−0.511 kg, 95% confidence interval −0.975; −0.046). Mediation analysis showed low and not significant percentages of mediation of hand OA in the association between age and grip strength. Conclusions Subluxation of CMC1 is associated with reduced grip strength, whereas associations with other radiographic features seem to be confounded by age. In the relationship between age and hand strength, radiographic hand OA severity is not an important mediator.

The relationship of tremor severity with proximal and distal muscle strength and upper extremity functional skills in older adults with essential tremor

Although it is known that muscle strength training is effective in Essential Tremor (ET), it is not known which muscle groups are more affected. The study was conducted to examine the relationship between tremor severity and proximal and distal muscle strength and upper extremity functional skills in older adults with ET. A total of 40 older adults who were diagnosed with ET (mean age of 74.07 ± 4.83years) and 40 older adults without tremor (mean age of 70.10 ± 4.05years) were included in the study. Tremor severity was evaluated with the Fahn-Tolosa-Marin Tremor Rating Scale (FTMTRS), the proximal muscular strength with digital muscle dynamometer, handgrip strength with hand dynamometer, and pinch grip strength with pinchmeter. The Arm and Shoulder Problems Questionnaire (DASH) was used to determine the functional status of the upper extremities. Fine Manual Dexterity was measured with the Nine-Hole Peg Test (NHPT). All proximal and distal muscle strengths were significantly lower, DASH and NHPT were significantly higher in the group with ET (p < 0.05). A significant negative correlation was detected between tremor severity and all proximal and distal muscular strength and a significant positive correlation between tremor severity and DASH in group with ET (p < 0.05). However, no significant correlations were found between tremor severity and NHPT in the group with ET. It was found that older adults who had tremors had low proximal and distal muscular strength, upper extremity functionality was affected and hand skills was impaired. Furthermore tremor severity is affected by both proximal and distal muscle strength.

Force-amplifying implant to improve key pinch strength in tendon transfer surgery: Cadaver modelproof-of-concept.

The brachioradialis (BR) to flexor pollicis longus (FPL) tendon transfer surgery is a common procedure used to restore key pinch grip for incomplete spinal cord injury patients. However, the procedure only restores 22% of the physiological grip strength, which is important for successfully grasping objects and minimizing fatigue. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of using a novel force-amplifying pulley implant to modify the standard BR to FPL tendon transfer surgery to improve key pinch grip strength in a human cadaver forearm model. A total of eightcadaveric specimens were mounted onto a custom testbed where a torque-controlled motor actuated the BR tendon to produce key pinch grip. In each cadaver, two experimental groups were examined: a standard and an implant-modified BR to FPL tendon transfer surgery. A force sensor mounted to the thumb recorded isometric key pinch grip forces over a range of input BR forces (2 N-25 N) applied in a ramp-and-hold protocol. Across the range of input BR forces, the average improvement in key pinch grip strength in the implant-modified surgery compared to the standard surgery was 58 ± 7.1% (ranging from 41% to 64% improvement). Throughout the experiments, we observed that the implant did not hinder the movement of the BR or FPL tendons. These results suggest that a BR to FPL tendon transfer surgery utilizing a force-amplifying pulley implant to augment force transmission can provide additional functional strength restoration over the standard procedure that directly sutures two tendons together.

Test-retest reliability of power, pinch, and tripod grip strengths in male baseball players: a preliminary study

Since baseball players must grip and pinch the ball, grip strength is paramount. However, current assessments on various grip types need to be more comprehensive. This study aimed to determine the test-retest reliability of different handgrip strengths measured by a dynamometer connected to a player’s smartphone. Sixty male baseball players sponsored by secondary schools (middle- and high-schools) or colleges varying in age (12–22 years) were selected as participants. For male baseball players, three types of grip strengths were evaluated using a dynamometer and smartphone application: power, pinch, and tripod grip. The test was conducted thrice for each grip. Overall grip strength measurements showed slight decreases across tests and tended to increase with academic grade level. Tests 1 and 2 indicated good-to-excellent retest reliability for three grip strength positions by determining their intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) (middle-school power grip: 0.917 (0.644–0.973); collegiate pinch grip: 0.920 (0.770–0.970); high-school tripod grip: 0.929 (0.728–0.976)). In addition, these results determined moderate reliability compared to other grip strengths in the three groups (middle-school tripod grip from Tests 1 and 2: 0.779 (0.428–0.914); collegiate power grip from Tests 2 and 3: 0.738 (0.360–0.895)). This study concluded that the studied grip strength tests are reliable measurements, with an acceptable margin of error, for male baseball players from childhood to adulthood. Therefore, these handgrip strengths may be used as preliminary values to help discipline and rehabilitate baseball players and other athletes.

Acute Effect of Unilateral Muscle Training Supported with Visual Feedback on Contralateral Muscle Strength and Joint Position Sense

Aim: Unilateral exercise training is an effective and useful technique, especially in immobilization and neurological conditions, but the effect of unilateral muscle exercise training on muscle strength is modest. Therefore, the aim of this study is to detect the acute concomitant effect of mirror therapy and unilateral exercise training on muscle strength and joint position sense in healthy adults.Method: Thirty-one participants were randomly enrolled in two groups the mirror (n=16) and control groups (n=15). Hand grip (HG), pinch grip (PG) strengths, and joint position sense (JPS) of the wrist were assessed in both hands before and after a single exercise session which include 300 repetitive ball squeezing exercises by right (exercised) hand for all groups. The participants in the mirror group were asked to watch the mirror to see the reflection of their exercised hands, the control group only watched their exercised and unexercised hands without any visual feedback support during the exercise session. Repeated Measure ANOVA and Mixed ANOVA tests were performed to analyze in- and between-group differences.Results: The statistically significant differences were determined in unexercised hand HG and PG strength in the mirror group (F=10,105; p=0,006, ηp2=0,403; F=5,341; p=0,035; ηp2=0,263, respectively). However, any group×time interaction was found in JPS, HG, or PG tests (p&amp;lt;0;05). Additionally, no difference was shown in JPS in-group comparisons (p&amp;lt;0;05).Conclusion: The result of the study suggested that unilateral exercise training should apply concomitant with visual feedback. Further studies are needed to compare the effect of different sensory feedbacks on unilateral exercise training.