Significant Differences In Grip Strength Research Articles

Proximal Row Carpectomy with and without Capitate Resurfacing: A Preliminary Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

In wrist salvage, proximal row carpectomy (PRC) has increasingly shown superior outcomes to four-corner fusion (4CF). Furthermore, PRC with resurfacing capitate pyrocarbon implants (PRC + RCPIs) provides a treatment option that may allow patients to avoid 4CF or wrist arthrodesis and help restore natural joint function and distribute loads evenly across the implant, though RCPI has yet to be evaluated on a large scale. We aimed to compare outcomes between PRC and PRC + RCPI for the treatment of scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) and scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse (SNAC) wrists. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane were queried for articles on PRC and PRC + RCPI performed for SLAC and SNAC wrist with minimum 12-month follow-up. Primary outcomes included wrist range of motion (ROM), grip strength, and outcome scores including Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) and QuickDASH scores, Patient-Rated Wrist and Hand Evaluation (PRWHE), and visual analog scale pain scores. Twenty-two studies reporting on 1,804 wrists were included (1,718 PRC alone, 86 PRC + RCPI). PRC + RCPI was associated with greater postoperative radial deviation, but poorer flexion. PRC + RCPI also had significantly lower postoperative QuickDASH (less disability and symptoms) and postoperative PRWHE (lower pain and disability) scores and an improvement in PRWHE compared with PRC. There was no significant difference in grip strength. PRC + RCPI demonstrated similar postoperative ROM to PRC alone. While PRC + RCPI was associated with more favorable outcome scores, further research is needed to confirm these findings and assess the incidence and profile of complications related to RCPIs. Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Four-Corner Fusion Versus Proximal Row Carpectomy for Scapholunate Advanced Collapse and Scaphoid Nonunion Advanced Collapse Wrist: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Although proximal row carpectomy (PRC) has increasingly been shown to have superior features to four-corner fusion (4CF), individual surgeons may remain convinced of the superiority of one procedure based on personal experience and individual biases. Hence, we sought to perform an updated meta-analysis with some of the largest studies to date to compare outcomes and complications between these procedures in the treatment of scapholunate advanced collapse and scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse wrists. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane were queried for articles on PRC and 4CF performed for scapholunate advanced collapse and scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse wrist. Primary outcomes included wrist range of motion; grip strength; outcome measures, including Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand and Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores, Patient-Rated Wrist and Hand Evaluation, and visual analog scale pain scores; and surgical complications. Sixty-one studies reported on 3,174 wrists, of which 54% were treated with PRC and 46% were treated with 4CF. The weighted mean follow-up was 61 months (range, 12-216 months). Meta-analysis comparing PRC and 4CF demonstrated that PRC had significantly greater postoperative extension; ulnar deviation; postoperative improvement in extension, flexion, ulnar deviation; and visual analog scale score. No comparisons showed significant differences in grip strength. The percentage of wrists requiring arthrodesis was 5.2% for PRC and 11% for 4CF. There was an 8.9% (57/640 wrists) 4CF nonunion rate and 2.2% (17/789) hardware removal rate after 4CF. In the treatment of scapholunate advanced collapse and scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse wrists, PRC results in better outcomes and a lower complication rate compared to 4CF. Therapeutic IV.

An Investigation of the Effects of an 8-Week Zumba Exercise Program on Physical Fitness Components in Sedentary Women

This study aimed to investigate the effects of an 8-week Zumba exercise program on weight, body fat percentage (BFP), body muscle mass (BMM), grip strength, back strength, flexibility, and MaxVo2 parameters in sedentary women. Twenty-four women (age: 21.54±1.84, height: 163.75±4.15) who did not engage in regular physical activity and had no history of illness or sports injuries volunteered to participate in the study. The participants were randomly divided into two groups: an experimental group (12 participants) and a control group (12 participants). The experimental group underwent 60-minute Zumba exercises three days a week. Weight, height, BFP, BMM, grip strength (right and left), flexibility, and MaxVo2 were measured. The data were analyzed using SPSS 25 statistical software package. Wilcoxon Test was used for intra-group pre-test and post-test comparisons, and a significance level of p0.05 was accepted. In the experimental group, significant differences were observed in weight, BFP, BMM, flexibility, back strength, and MaxVo2 values between the pre-test and post-test, while there was no statistically significant difference in grip strength (right and left) with p0.05. In the control group, a significant difference was observed in BFP. However, no statistically significant differences were found in weight, BMM, flexibility, grip strength (right and left), back strength, and MaxVo2 with p0.05. In conclusion, based on the results of this study and considering the literature, it can be stated that Zumba exercises, which are widely practiced today, expose individuals to high-intensity physical activity. Consequently, an 8-week Zumba exercise program may positively affect weight, body fat percentage, body muscle mass, MaxVo2, flexibility, and strength parameters.Keywords: Exercise, Physical Fitness, Strength, Zumba

SOCIAL ISOLATION AS A RISK FACTOR FOR GRIP STRENGTH DECLINE: FINDINGS FROM THE NHATS STUDY

Abstract Low grip strength is associated with negative health outcomes among older adults, including poor physical performance, sarcopenia, and all-cause mortality. Social isolation has been also linked with decreased physical function and mortality. Limited studies examined whether social isolation is a risk factor for grip strength decline among older adults and whether race differences exist in this association using population-based longitudinal data. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between social isolation and grip strength among older adults and whether the relationship varies by race and over time. We analyzed National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) data (2015 - 2018) and the sample included 4877 adults > 65 years old. Grip strength was measured using a digital hand dynamometer. Social isolation was measured using six NHATS items from the literature and the composite score ranged from 0 to 6, with a higher score indicating more isolation. The sample mean age was 75 (SD = 22; 68 - 110 years). Repeated-measures analysis of variance showed significant differences in grip strength across social isolation scores (p = .001) indicating that socially isolated older adults have significantly lower grip strength. We also found that grip strength significantly decreased by 2.046 kg over the four-year period (p = < .001). The findings showed no significant difference in grip strength across race and change in grip strength across time did not differ by race and social isolation. Interventions to improve muscle strength and reduce social isolation among older adults are needed.

Lower heart rate variability is associated with loss of muscle mass and sarcopenia in community-dwelling older Chinese adults

Autonomic nervous system (ANS) disorders may occur in skeletal muscle disease, but the link between them has not been fully established. Studying the relationship between them may yield insights into the mechanisms and treatment of disease. This study aimed to explore the association between heart rate variability (HRV), sarcopenia, and subscales of sarcopenia (muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical mobility). 2514 community-dwelling older Chinese participants were included in this study. The Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia guidelines were used to define sarcopenia. HRV was measured by 90-s electrocardiogram RR interval data. All HRV parameters were transformed using natural logarithms. Multiple regression analysis and multivariate linear regression was performed using potential correlates. The overall prevalence of sarcopenia was 15.1% (18.5% in males and 12.6% in females). In the logistic regression analysis model, there was a significant association between log-transformed standard deviation of RR interval (lnSDNN) (OR=0.736, p=0.019), log-transformed coefficient of variation of RR intervals (lnCVRR) (OR=0.751, p=0.020), log-transformed low-frequency power (lnLF) (OR=0.861, p=0.008), log-transformed high-frequency power (lnHF) (OR=0.864, p=0.003) and sarcopenia in the general population after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), daily activity levels, hypertension, heart disease and cardiac drugs. In addition, in multivariate linear regression, lnSDNN (β=0.146, p=0.001), lnCVRR (β=0.120, p=0.010), lnLF (β=0.066, p=0.002) and lnHF (β=0.065, p<0.001) remained significantly positively associated with muscle mass, but there were no significant differences in grip strength and walking speed. Sarcopenia was independently associated with lower heart rate variability in a community-dwelling elderly Chinese population. In addition, muscle mass was positively associated with heart rate variability in the elderly.

Prospective analysis of grip strength and load distribution after surgical treatment of common diseases of the hand with novel's manugraphy® system.

Carpal tunnel syndrome, A1 annular pulley stenosis and Dupuytren's contracture are among the most common conditions of the hand. In this study, we investigated the impact of surgical procedure on hand grip strength and high-resolution spatial load distribution in individuals suffering from those diseases over a follow-up period of one year. In this prospective study, data of 9 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, 12 patients with A1 annular pulley stenosis and 7 patients with Dupuytren's contracture were evaluated. Only patients with unilateral disease were included providing the contralateral hand as an intra-individual control. Grip strength was measured with cylindrical instruments in two different sizes with respect to the hand size of the patients. Maximum and average values of grip strength as well as spatial load distribution in each finger, thenar, hypothenar and palm were analyzed. Data of the affected patients were collected preoperatively and 6weeks, 6months and 1year postoperatively. Grip strength and spatial load distribution were compared preoperatively to postoperatively. In addition, DASH score, Levine score, 2-point discrimination and degree of flexion contracture were assessed. The patients with A1 annular pulley stenosis showed a significant increase in grip strength 6months and one year postoperatively. Patients with carpal tunnel syndrome and Dupuytren's contracture showed no significant difference in grip strength over the course of time. An increase in the percentual grip strength of the thenar in patients with carpal tunnel disease and within the affected finger in A1 annular pulley stenosis was observed over the course of time. The DASH score was significantly lower in all patient cohorts one year postoperatively. Surgical procedure in carpal tunnel syndrome, A1 annular ligament stenosis and Dupuytren's contracture improves the functionality of the hand in everyday life. Some areas of the hand seem to compensate other weaker areas in grip strength.

Biomechanical and aesthetic outcomes following radial forearm free flap transfer: comparison of ipsilateral full-thickness skin graft and traditional split-thickness skin graft

The radial forearm free flap (RFFF) is associated with donor site morbidity. This study aimed to quantify the functional and aesthetic outcomes after closure of the RFFF donor site using triangular full-thickness skin grafts (FTSGs) harvested adjacent to the flap or traditional split-thickness skin grafts (STSGs). The study included patients who underwent oral cavity reconstruction with an RFFF between March 2017 and August 2021. The patients were divided into two groups based on the donor site closure method: FTSG or STSG. The primary outcomes were biomechanical grip strength, pinch strength, and range of wrist movements. Subjective donor site morbidity, aesthetic and functional results were also analysed. The study included 75 patients (FTSG n = 35; STSG n = 40). Postoperatively, there was a statistically significant difference in grip strength (P = 0.049) and wrist extension (P = 0.047) between the FTSG and STSG groups, in favour of the STSG. Differences between the groups in pinch strength and other wrist motions were not statistically significant. The harvesting time was significantly shorter for the FTSG (P = 0.041) and the appearance of the donor site was better (P = 0.026) when compared to the STSG. Cold intolerance was more frequent in the STSG group (32.5% STSG vs 6.7% FTSG; P = 0.017). Subjective function, numbness, pain, hypertrophic scar, itching, and social stigma did not differ significantly between the groups. Compared with the STSG, the FTSG showed better cosmesis and avoided additional donor sites, with clinically negligible differences in hand biomechanics.

Does pronator quadratus repair affect functional outcome following volar plate fixation of distal radius fractures? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of pronator quadratus (PQ) repair versus no repair following volar plate fixation of distal radius fractures. A comprehensive search was performed in PubMed, CNKI, EMBASE, Web of Science, Ovid, and Cochrane Library databases. All randomized controlled trials comparing PQ repair with no repair in distal radius fractures before January 2023 were included. Two investigators independently screened eligible articles, assessed the study quality, and extracted data from included studies. Continuous variables used standardized mean difference and 95% confidence interval as efficacy statistics. The meta-analysis was performed using the Revman 5.4 software. A total of 430 patients in 7 RCT studies were included in this meta-analysis, of which 218 underwent PQ repair, while 212 patients underwent no repair. The results of the meta-analysis displayed statistically significant differences in grip strength (short-term), pronation angle (short-term), and pronation strength (short- and long-term) between the two groups. No significant difference in other outcomes was found between the two treatment arms. The repair of PQ may further increase grip strength and pronation function in the short-term and enhance long-term pronator muscle strength compared to no repair. However, due to the small number of articles included in the study, the above conclusions need to be verified by a larger sample and multi-center clinical study.

15주간의 필라테스 교양수업이 대학생들의 신체구성, 체력, 자존감, 우울 그리고 불안 심리에 미치는 영향

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to examine the effect of 15-week Pilates classes on physical function, self-esteem, depression, and anxiety in college students.BR Method: Thirty-one college students (N=31) (average age: 21.6 ± 1.6) who participated in Pilates classes were recruited for this study. Students met once a week and they performed a Pilates exercise program. Before and after the Pilates classes, participants completed the Rosenberg self-esteem questionnaire, modified SCL-90-R, and anxiety questionnaire along with heigh t,weight, and percent body fat (%), flexibility, balance, and grip strength. A paired sample t-test was used to examine the mean difference between the two time points and Kendall’s tau was performed to analyzeth e association between physical function and psychological variables.BR Results: There were significant differences in grip strength (p=.001), balance (p=.001), and anxiety level (p=.015) between pre-and post-test. A correlation existed betweenh eight and depression (r=-.034) as well as self-esteem level (r=-.226). We also found an association between weight and depresiosn (r=-.255).BR Conclusion: Collectively, these data suggest that Pilates classes performed in college improve both body composition and physical function as well as influence on psychological variables.

Effects of Whey Protein, Leucine, and Vitamin D Supplementation in Patients with Sarcopenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

(1) Background: In this study, a meta-analysis was performed to investigate the effects of whey protein, leucine, and vitamin D in sarcopenia; (2) Methods: We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Scopus databases and retrieved studies published until 5 December 2022. Randomized controlled trials were included to evaluate muscle mass, strength, and function, after using whey protein, leucine, and vitamin D supplementation in patients with sarcopenia; (3) Results: A total of three studies including 637 patients reported the effectiveness of using whey protein, leucine, and vitamin D supplementation in patients with sarcopenia. Without considering whether or not a physical exercise program was combined with nutritional supplementation, no significant differences in grip strength or short physical performance battery (SPPB) scores between the experimental and control groups were noted. However, appendicular muscle mass significantly improved in the experimental group compared to the control group. The results were analyzed according to the presence or absence of a concomitant physical exercise program. With the use of a concomitant physical exercise program, handgrip strength and SPPB scores in the experimental group significantly improved when compared to the control group. In contrast, when physical exercise was not combined, there was no significant improvement in the handgrip strength and SPPB scores of patients with sarcopenia. In addition, the appendicular muscle mass significantly increased regardless of the presence of a concomitant physical exercise program; (4) Conclusions: Whey protein, leucine, and vitamin D supplementation can increase appendicular muscle mass in patients with sarcopenia. In addition, combining a physical exercise program with whey protein, leucine, and vitamin D supplementation can improve muscle strength and function.

The relationship between frailty and motor function among living in the community elderly females.

[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of frailty among community-dwelling elderly females, and to examine its relation to motor function and the main risk factors of frailty. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 67 community-dwelling elderly females, aged 76.2 ± 7.7 years. We performed measurements of physical parameters, motor functions (such as grip strength), timed up and go test (TUG), walking speed, and frailty (measured using the Kihon Checklist [KCL]). [Results] KCL scores were 31.3%, 31.3%, and 37.3% in the frailty, pre-frailty, and robust groups, respectively. The frailty group was older than the pre-frailty and robust groups. Additionally, the different groups showed significant differences in grip strength, TUG, and walking speed. The highest median KCL score was for depression, followed by physical function. As a results, frailty was evident even among health-conscious elderly people. [Conclusion] It is essential to identify frailty at an early stage and identify its preventive factors, in order to extend the healthy life expectancy of the local population.

Comparison of Outcomes of Scapholunate Ligament Reconstruction Techniques.

Introduction Injury to the scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) is a common cause of carpal instability, yet surgical management of chronic SLIL disruption remains challenging with no optimal technique identified. Purpose The purpose of this meta-analysis was to comparatively review the available evidence of clinical, radiographic, and patient-reported outcome measures among popular techniques of SLIL reconstruction (capsulodesis, tenodesis, and bone-tissue-bone graft) to better guide management of SLIL injuries. Methods A total of 1,172 patients from 42 included studies were assessed. Standardized data extraction and analysis were performed. The mean of postoperative outcome assessments with standard deviation was used to calculate pooled standardized mean difference with 95% confidence interval. Results Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score for postoperative pain was lowest in bone-tissue-bone patients at 0.9 ( p = 0.0360). Bone-tissue-bone patients had the highest percentage of "excellent" functional outcomes at 64.5% ( p < 0.0001). Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH)/QuickDASH score was best in bone-tissue-bone patients at 9.7 ( p < 0.0001). Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) score was best in tenodesis patients at 37.8 ( p = 0.0255). There were no statistically significant differences in grip strength, range of motion, or radiographic outcomes among the techniques. Conclusion Existing data demonstrate some benefit of bone-tissue-bone reconstruction over capsulodesis and tenodesis in pain reduction and functional improvement of the injured wrist. No statistically significant differences among radiographic outcomes could be ascertained, possibly attributable to the heterogeneity of procedures. This review provides an updated reference and highlights the need for multicenter trials with longer term follow-up and more standardized outcome measures.

In situ transverse osteotomy and locked mini plate for the correction of metacarpal rotational deformity

Objectives: We aimed to investigate the radiological and clinical results of transverse osteotomy and fixation applications in rotation deformities due to metacarpal malunion. Methods: A total of 18 fingers from 18 patients were enrolled in the study (14 males and 4 females). The average age of the patients was 32.8 ± 14.4 years (range: 18-58 years). The average follow-up duration was 19.7 ± 7.9 months (range: 7-36 months). All patients had a scissoring deformity which affected their daily activities or caused cosmetic problems. Results: In all patients, the scissoring and overlapping deformities improved and in all osteotomies union was achieved. A total range of motion for the DIP, PIP, MP and wrist joints was achieved in all patients. The average DASH score was 5.2 ± 5.6 (range: 0-21.7), and the average VAS score was 0.8 ± 0.9 (range: 0-3). The average grip strength was 40.5 ± 10.2 kg (range: 19-55 kg) and 94% of the healthy side. There was no statistically significant difference in grip strength compared to the healthy side (p = 0.23). 14 excellent and 4 good scores were obtained based on Büchler criteria. Conclusions: In situ transverse osteotomy and the locked miniplate method is effective and feasible in the treatment of metacarpal malunions with finger rotational deformities, given their ease of use, allowance of early movement, high union rates, and good results.

Management of the nondisplaced type Herbert D1 scaphoid fracture with robot navigation combined with wrist arthroscopy

To investigate the feasibility and the clinical efficiency of robot navigation combined with wrist arthroscopy in minimally invasive treatment of nondisplaced type Herbert D1 scaphoid fracture. A retrospective analysis was performed on 9 patients who underwent nondisplaced type Herbert D1 scaphoid fracture in Xuzhou Renci Hospital from December 2019 to January 2021. Before the operation and at the last follow-up, grip strength, pinching force, modified wrist Mayo score and visual analogue scale (VAS) of wrist pain were recorded and compared. The average follow-up time was 14.1 months (7.5-24.0 months). All the fractures achieved primary healing after an average of 13.3 weeks (10-18 weeks). The average flexion and dorsal extension activity of the injured wrist was 51.2°±9.4°, 68.0°±7.3°, and the radial and ulnar deviation was 19.3°±6.2°, 45.7°±7.8°, respectively. At the final follow-up, there were statistically significant differences in grip strength, pinch strength, wrist Mayo score and VAS when compared with those before the operation (all P<0.05). The results demonstrated that robot navigation combined with wrist arthroscopy for nondisplaced type Herbert D1 scaphoid fracture is effective and minimally invasive with a short recovery time and satisfactory healing rate.

Comparison of Grip Strength, Gait Speed, and Quality of Life Among Obese, Overweight, and Nonobese Older Adults

Introduction: Obesity is related to a high risk of chronic diseases and increased rate of morbidity. This study was performed to compare grip strength, gait speed, and quality of life among obese, overweight, and nonobese older adult women. Methods: The study population consisted of 62 older adult women older than 65 years. The subjects were classified according to body mass index (BMI) as obese (BMI ≥25 kg/m2; n = 25), overweight (BMI 23-24.9 kg/m2; n = 13), or nonobese (BMI 18.5-22.9 kg/m2; n = 24). Grip strength and gait speed were measured, and quality of life was determined according to the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire. One-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni's post hoc analysis was used to analyze the differences in grip strength, gait speed, and SF-36 score among the 3 groups. Results: There were significant differences in grip strength (F = 8.053, P = .001) and gait speed (F = 4.850, P = .011), but not in the physical (F = 2.194, P = .121) and mental (F = 1.247, P = .295) composite of the SF-36, among the 3 groups. The obese group showed significantly lower grip strength and slow gait speed compared with the overweight and nonobese groups. Conclusions: Obesity in older women has a negative impact on grip strength and gait speed. Grip strength and gait speed reflect health status in older adults, and the findings presented here suggest that grip strength and gait speed should be considered for obesity management in older women.

Risk Factors of Frailty in Patients with Distal Radius Fractures.

AimThe aim of this study was to determine risk factors for the incidence of frailty in patients with distal radius fractures (DRFs).MethodsIn total, 116 patients (mean age, 66.3 ± 7.7 years) with DRFs were recruited. The participants were categorized into two groups, “frail” and “non-frail,” according to the presence or absence of frailty, respectively. The areal bone mineral densities (aBMDs) of the total hip, femoral neck, and lumbar spine were measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. The participants’ levels of resilience, depression, anxiety, nutritional intake, oral health-related quality of life, and social support were evaluated by self-reported questionnaires. The participants’ grip strength, gait speed, number of teeth present in their oral cavities, circumference of their upper arms and calves, and serum levels of vitamin D were also assessed.ResultsThe participants in the “frail” group seemed to have lower aBMDs and muscle function and mass than those in the “non-frail” group. There were significant differences in grip strength, calf circumference, gait speed, and aBMD of the total hip, femoral neck, and lumbar spine between the groups. There were also significant differences in the levels of resilience and depression between the groups. A multivariate logistic regression analyses demonstrated that levels of sarcopenia, malnutritional status, and aBMDs of the total hip and femoral neck had significant relationships with the development of frailty in patients with DRFs.ConclusionsAn interdisciplinary approach involving the management of osteoporosis, sarcopenia, oral health, social relationships, and psychological support would be required for the proper management of DRF patients in preventing frailty.

Effects of Additional Radial Shockwave Therapy to Median Nerve Gliding Exercises on Hand Grip Strength in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Patients

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common entrapment neuropathiesfound in the upper extremities. Patients with moderate and severe CTS usually experience disturbancesin motor strength. A non-invasive therapeutic method that has recently emerged in the treatment of CTSis Radial Shock Wave Therapy (RSWT). RSWT is a therapy using shock waves and can be added to otherforms of exercise. The addition of RSWT in CTS is expected to increase the grip strength. Research thatdirectly assesses the effect of adding RSWT and median nerve gliding exercises on hand grip strength inCTS patients has not been conducted.Methods: This study was a pre-test/post-test control group design. There were 22 moderate grade CTSsubjects divided into 2 groups, the control group was received median nerve gliding exercise (n=11) andthe treatment group was received additional RSWT on median nerve gliding exercise (n=11). Assessmentof grip strength by Jamar hand dynamometer was performed before and after 4 weeks of treatment. Themean differences before and after treatment, as well as between groups was compared statistically usingan unpaired t-test.Results: There was no significant difference in the handgrip strength of the control group (p = 0.094),and a significant difference in the treatment group (p = 0.009) before and after the intervention. However,there were no significant differences in grip strength between the two groups (p=0.065).Conclusion: There was no significant effect of adding RSWT on improving handgrip strength in CTSpatients who received a median nerve gliding exercise.Keywords: carpal tunnel syndrome, entrapment neuropathies, grip strength, nerve gliding exercise,radial shockwave therapy

Effects of Additional Radial Shockwave Therapy to Median Nerve Gliding Exercises on Hand Grip Strength in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Patients

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common entrapment neuropathies found in the upper extremities. Patients with moderate and severe CTS usually experience disturbances in motor strength. A non-invasive therapeutic method that has recently emerged in the treatment of CTSis Radial Shock Wave Therapy (RSWT). RSWT is a therapy using shock waves and can be added to other forms of exercise. The addition of RSWT in CTS is expected to increase the grip strength. Research that directly assesses the effect of adding RSWT and median nerve gliding exercises on hand grip strength inCTS patients has not been conducted.Methods: This study was a pre-test/post-test control group design. There were 22 moderate grade CTS subjects divided into 2 groups, the control group was received median nerve gliding exercise (n=11) and the treatment group was received additional RSWT on median nerve gliding exercise (n=11). Assessmentof grip strength by Jamar hand dynamometer was performed before and after 4 weeks of treatment. The mean differences before and after treatment, as well as between groups was compared statistically using an unpaired t-test.Results: There was no significant difference in the handgrip strength of the control group (p = 0.094), and a significant difference in the treatment group (p = 0.009) before and after the intervention. However, there were no significant differences in grip strength between the two groups (p=0.065).Conclusion: There was no significant effect of adding RSWT on improving handgrip strength in CTS patients who received a median nerve gliding exercise.Keywords: carpal tunnel syndrome, entrapment neuropathies, grip strength, nerve gliding exercise,radial shockwave therapy

Metacarpal squeezing reduces grip strength

Unduly tight plaster hand casts may narrow the metacarpal joint space, hindering rehabilitation. This study investigated how metacarpal narrowing affects grip strength. Forty-two adult volunteers with no other pathology were included. Dominant and non-dominant hand grip strength was measured with a digital hand dynamometer (Jamar plus, China). Metacarpal width was measured with a metal caliper, and the caliper was then fixed at 10% narrowing of the joint space, and a second measurement of grip strength was taken. The measurements were thus taken twice each in the dominant and non-dominant hand, and the average of the two was recorded. A total 336 measurements were taken in the dominant and non-dominant hands of 42 individuals at two time points. There was no significant difference in grip strength between dominant and non-dominant hands (p = 0.183). After 10% narrowing, both the dominant and the non-dominant hand showed a mean 33.4% reduction in grip strength: i.e., squeezing the metacarpus with a caliper significantly reduced grip strength in both dominant and non-dominant hands (p = 0.01). The study thus showed that grip strength will decrease significantly when the metacarpus is squeezed by a tight cast. Although the patient does not feel the 10% narrowing of the metacarpus, it is clear that hand muscle mass may be adversely affected in the long term.

Development of Cognitive Status Standards for South Korean Adults Using Big Data

<h3>Research Objectives</h3> To develop cognitive status criteria using the cognition and physical items in the 2016 Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing (KLoSA). <h3>Design</h3> A retrospective cross-sectional study design. <h3>Setting</h3> Cognitive status criteria were classified using the Korean-Mini Mental Status Examination (K-MMSE) items and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) items. Cognition decline and physical dysfunction were defined if the participants had a K-MMSE score of less than 23 and were unable to perform one or more IADLs, respectively. The cognitive status criteria consist of a 3-level category, including normal (no cognitive decline and no physical dysfunction), moderate (cognitive decline and no physical dysfunction), and severe (cognitive decline and no physical dysfunction). To validate the cognitive status criteria, we examined the association between cognitive status criteria and variables such as depression and grip strength. <h3>Participants</h3> A total of 5,022 community-dwelling adults retrieved from the 2016 KLoSA. <h3>Interventions</h3> Not applicable. <h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3> Not applicable. <h3>Results</h3> Participants were classified as normal (n=3,878, 77.2%), moderate (n=963, 19.2%), and severe (n=181, 3.6%) cognitive. The age was normal (66.34, SD=8.06), moderate (73.94, SD=8.20), and severe (79.12, SD=8.32) cognitive. The sex was normal (female=2100, 54.15%), moderate (female=679, 70.51%%), and severe (female=114, 62.98%) cognitive. There was a statistically significant difference in grip strength across the cognitive status criteria, except for the difference between "moderate" and "severe" in male. Individuals with depression were more likely to have cognitive impairment (odds ratio [OR] for moderate versus normal=1.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.17-1.25; OR for severe versus normal = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.18-1.34). <h3>Conclusions</h3> The findings indicate that the combination of cognitive decline and physical dysfunction is feasible to objectively classify community-dwelling adults into a 3-level cognitive status. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> The author declares that we have no relevant or material financial interests that relate to the research described in this paper.