Hand Strength Research Articles

Mathematical Principles in Texas Hold'em Poker

Texas Hold'em is a skill and strategy game that combines elements of probability, combinatorics, and game theory. This paper explores the mathematical principles behind the game, with a focus on applying probability theory to decision-making and strategy development. Analyzing the win rates of various hand rankings, the expected value of different playstyles, and the impact of player behavior on game outcomes. By applying combinatorial analysis, we calculate the probability of hand strength and assess the strategic significance of bluffing and betting patterns. Additionally, we study game theory concepts such as Nash equilibrium and apply them to poker strategy. The most significant section is game theory. The insights gained from this mathematical approach provide a comprehensive understanding of optimal play and how mathematical rigor enhances decision-making in Texas Hold'em. This research can help us calculate the probability of our hand based on its strength, thereby improving our sensitivity to probability-based problems

Hämatrain-Hybrid movement therapy during inpatient and outpatient hematological treatment: correlations with physical and psychological parameters.

Prior research indicates that engaging in physical activity during chemotherapy can positively influence both physical and psychological parameters in individuals with hematological neoplasms. However, the most effective type, level, intensity, and frequency of exercise remains unclear. We enrolled 53 patients to a clinical trial assessing a partly supervised hybrid training program including both strength and endurance components, commencing at onset of induction therapy (T0) for hematological malignancies, including AML (n = 29), ALL (n = 5), and NHL (n = 19). Endpoints to evaluate efficacy included muscle strength in kg, cardiovascular fitness in steps, balance in scores, quality of life (QoL), and fatigue. Data were compared at three time points: the beginning of treatment (T0), during consolidation (T1), and 12 ± 2weeks later (T2). Average adherence to protocol specified activities was 63.2% (± 40.0% s.d.) for participants without a stem cell transplant (No-SCT) and 51.5% (± 29.3% s.d.) for participants with AML between T0 and T2. No serious adverse reactions related to the exercise program were reported. Positive correlations were found between adherence and hand strength (T0-T1: left: r = 0.48, p < 0.05; right: r = 0.56, p < 0.05) for patients without stem cell transplant as therapy, as well as a strong association between higher adherence and lower appetite loss between T1 and T2 (No-SCT: r = -0.67, p = 0.001; AML: r = -0,49, p = 0,03). In participants with AML, it was also shown that higher adherence at T2 was associated with reduced symptom burden due to financial problems (r = -0,65, p = 0,004). However, other aspects of quality of life and fatigue showed only weak to moderate correlations with adherence. This partly supervised hybrid exercise program during inpatient and outpatient care of patients with hematological cancer was safe and feasible. While useful in maintaining hand strength and reducing appetite loss in some patients, as well as reducing symptom burden due to financial problems in other patients, ambiguity was likely due to confounding factors, such as underlying disease biology and response to treatment. Corresponding author: Johanna Huesmann (johuesmann@gmx.de) (TRN: DRKS00034396, Date of registration: 07.06.2024; retrospectively registered).

Normative values of grip and pinch strength and their predictor factors: PERSIAN cohort study of healthcare staff.

The present study aims to provide normative values for Hand Grip Strength (HGS) and Hand Pinch Strength of healthcare staff and evaluate key body anthropometric predictors of these strengths. This cross sectional study was conducted on 2,337 healthcare staff. HGS and pinch strength were assessed for both hands using a hydraulic hand dynamometer and pinch gauge. Descriptive data were reported for dominant and non-dominant HGS and pinch strength, after stratification by gender, age, and height. Multivariatelinear regression analysis was performed to assess predictor variables. The maximum HGS values were identified in men aged 35 to 40, measuring 38.00 ± 7.81kg, and in women aged 50 to 55, measuring 22.20 ± 4.13kg. The highest pinch strength values were recorded in men aged 45 to 50, with measurements of 7.16 ± 1.48kg, and in women aged 35 to 40, with measurements of 4.24 ± 1.15kg. The predictor variables for dominant HGS and pinch strength exhibited 59% and 51% prediction for variations in dominant HGS and pinch strength, respectively, using gender, height, and wrist circumference as predictors. Height (for grip: dominant hand: β = 0.33, CI [0.28, 0.37]; for pinch: dominant hand: β = 0.04, CI [0.02, 0.05]) was the most effectively correlated anthropometric variable. The findings demonstrate differences in HGS and pinch strength among different gender and age groups. Multiple linear regression analysis highlights the crucial role of anthropometric variables in evaluating hand strength. These results can provide guidance for future research and clinical assessments. Not applicable. Level III (analytical cross-sectional study on big sample size).

Comparing the long-term effect of extracorporeal shockwave therapy and therapeutic ultrasound in treating trigger finger: A prospective cohort study.

To investigate the long-term effects of Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) and ultrasound (US) in treating the trigger finger. Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a common type of tenosynovitis affecting the flexor sheath of any finger. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy and therapeutic US are conservative treatments that use waves of varied frequency to target damaged regions and improve function. This cohort study was carried out in Saudi Arabia, using samples obtain from the files of patients with trigger fingers who visited the orthopedic department at Al-Rass General Hospital between May and June 2023. Of the 38 people with trigger fingers who were initially included, 24 satisfied the requirements for inclusion (11 underwent US, and 13 received ESWT). Assessments were conducted in September 2023, two months later. A goniometer was used to measure the range of motion (ROM), an electrical dynamometer was used to test grip strength, a numerical pain rating scale was used to quantify discomfort, and QuickDASH was used to measure general functional capacity. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy and US significantly affected all outcomes, including pain severity, ROM, hand strength, and general functional capability (p<0.005). In the immediate period, the US outperformed ESWT in enhancing general functional capability. Over time, ESWT was more essential for reducing pain (p=0.001). This study provides preliminary evidence that ESWT and US have similar effects in treating trigger fingers.

Impact of Upper Limb Function on Activities of Daily Living and Quality of Life in Huntington's Disease.

Background/Objectives: Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative movement disorder associated with significant disability and impairment of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). The impact of upper limb disability on quality of life (QoL) and its influence on ADLs is not well known yet. The aim of this study was to describe the manipulative dexterity, strength, and manual eye coordination of patients with manifest and premanifest-HD compared to healthy individuals and to analyze its influence on ADLs and QoL. Methods: We performed an observational, cross-sectional study including 71 ambulatory participants (27 manifest-HD patients, 15 premanifest-HD, and 29 controls). We gathered sociodemographic data, as well as clinical data, including cognition (MMSE), HD motor severity (Unified HD rating scale, UHDRS-TMS), QoL (Neuro-QoL), and ADLs (HD-ADL). Hand dexterity and strength in the dominant and non-dominant hand were assessed with the Nine Hole Peg Test, Ten Neurotest, Nut and Bolt Test, dynamometry, and Late-Life FDI. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) models were performed to investigate differences in hand function between manifest-HD, premanifest-HD, and controls. Results: Manifest-HD patients had significantly worse performance in manual and finger dexterity, fine-motor coordination, and poorer handgrip strength than premanifest-HD and controls. Premanifest-HD required more time to complete the test than controls. Significant correlations were found between hand variables and Late-Life FDI, Neuro-QoL, HD-ADL, and UHDRS-TMS. Conclusions: HD affects manipulative dexterity and hand function in premanifest and manifest patients. Therefore, to prevent disability and decreased QoL, evaluating the progression of upper limb dysfunction in HD is important to offer the best possible therapeutic interventions.

The Relationship Between Health Parameters, Body Size, Elements of Lifestyle, and Hand Grip Strength in a Group of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes, Aged 40-98, from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

Background/Objectives: Decreased muscle strength and lower hand grip strength (HGS) values are observed in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study aimed to present the values of hand grip strength as a valuable tool in T2D treatment monitoring in the context of body size and lifestyle elements in 347 patients with type 2 diabetes from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed at hospitals in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The maximum grip strengths of the right and left hands were measured three times, alternatively, using a digital hand dynamometer. The maximum grip strength of the dominant hand was used for the analysis. Results: The values of HGS in both hands dropped with increased age, systolic blood pressure (SBP), the duration of diabetes, and low glucose blood levels, whereas they increased with height. Patients who smoked had the lowest three values of HGS (the average value for each hand), whereas patients who quit smoking had the highest values. Second-order interactions between diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and sex showed a significant effect on the average HGS of both hands and for the left hand in particular (where HGS decreased only in females, whereas it increased in males). Conclusions: HGS is influenced by important socioeconomic and anthropometric factors in patients with type 2 diabetes, making it a valuable indicator of general health.

Assessing Strength Effort in Pre-Adolescent Girls: Insights into Effort Accuracy at Different Strength Thresholds

Objectives. This study aimed to examine the peculiarities of strength effort assessment in girls aged 10, 11, and 12 years. Specifically, it sought to understand how these age groups evaluate effort at different percentages of their maximum strength (1/3, 1/2, and 2/3). Materials and methods. The study involved 75 girls divided into three age groups: 10 years (n = 20), 11 years (n = 25), and 12 years (n = 30). Participants’ maximum hand strength was measured using a dynamometer, and their ability to assess effort at 1/3, 1/2, and 2/3 of this maximum was recorded. Results. The error of effort assessment was calculated and analyzed using paired and independent samples t-tests. Statistical significance was set at α = 0.05. The analysis revealed no significant age-related differences in hand maximum strength or strength effort assessment among the different age groups. The most accurate assessment of effort occurred at 2/3 of maximum strength for all age groups. Significant differences were found in effort assessment between 1/3 and 1/2 of maximum strength, and between 1/3 and 2/3 of maximum strength, with improvements noted as the effort percentage increased. However, no significant differences were observed between effort levels at 1/2 and 2/3 of maximum strength. Conclusions. The study indicates that the ability to assess strength effort remains stable across the age range of 10 to 12 years, with the most precise assessment occurring at 2/3 of maximum strength. The findings suggest that while overall strength assessment abilities are consistent, targeted training may enhance precision at different effort levels. This contributes to the understanding of motor function development and highlights the need for interventions to improve effort assessment skills in young girls.

Plasma omega-3 fatty acids are not associated with muscle strength, regardless of age or protein intake: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-12.

Muscle strength is a key predictor of both quality of life and mortality. Although numerous studies have investigated the relationship between omega-3 (ω-3) intake and muscle strength, the evidence remains inconclusive. Furthermore, it is unclear whether this association is influenced by protein intake. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the potential associations between plasma ω-3 levels (as a biomarker of ω-3 intake) and muscle strength across different age ranges and levels of protein intake. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 1708 individuals aged 20-80 years from the 2011-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Plasma levels of total ω-3 fatty acids and their subtypes-alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-were measured using chromatography-mass spectrometry. Muscle strength was assessed using handgrip strength, with the combined grip strength of both hands being analyzed. Dietary intake was evaluated using two 24-h recalls, and usual intake was estimated using the National Cancer Institute method. Linear regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations between plasma ω-3 fatty acids and muscle strength, stratified by age groups (<60 years and ≥60 years) and protein intake categories (<0.8g/kg/day, ≥0.8-<1.2g/kg/day, and ≥1.2g/kg/day), while adjusting for potential confounders. Total plasma ω-3, ALA, EPA, and DHA were not associated with muscle strength in the total sample, regardless of protein intake levels. This lack of association remained consistent across all age groups and protein intake strata. Plasma ω-3 fatty acids were not associated with muscle strength, regardless of age or protein intake. Overall, these findings suggest that plasma ω-3 fatty acids may not play a significant role in muscle strength.

Risdiplam: therapeutic effects and tolerability in a small cohort of 6 adult type 2 and type 3 SMA patients

BackgroundRisdiplam is a validated treatment for adult SMA patients, but clear guidelines concerning functional assessment at baseline and during the follow-up are still limited, especially in terms of sensible and validated outcome measures able to capture minimal changes in motor performances induced by therapy. The aim of this work is to describe the effect of Risdiplam on a cohort of 6 adult type 2 and type 3 SMA patients, using Motor Function Measure (MFM32) as a standardized scaleto quantify the motor improvements induced by therapy.ResultsRisdiplam at the dose of 5 mg/daily was administered to a population of 6 (4 F;2 M) type 2 (N = 4) and type 3 (N = 2), adult SMA patients. Two patients were previously treated by Nusinersen, later suspended due to side effects. At baseline, all patients received a neuromuscular evaluation and a MFM32 assessment. After the beginning of treatment, we evaluated MFM32, patient reported outcomes (PROs), and adverse events over 7–27 months of follow-up. The MFM32 showed an increased score ranging from + 2.16% to + 7.29% in 4 patients. The improvement was maintained overtime, with two patients presenting the longest follow-up period of 24 and 27 months respectively. Subdomain D3 was ameliorated in 66.6% of patients. Two patients previously treated with Nusinersen maintained the pre-Risdiplam scores. The HFMSE was also performed and failed to show significant improvements after treatment. All patients reported subjective ameliorations. The commonest PROs were improvements in breath fatigue, voice’s intelligibility, hand strength and dexterity. Adverse effects were mild and decreased over time.ConclusionsRisdiplam is a well-tolerated treatment in our cohort of adult type 2 and type 3 SMA patients and resulted in improvement or stabilization in motor functions. MFM32 proved to be sensitive to detect changes induced by therapy. Subjective meaningful improvements were sustained overtime especially in bulbar functions, breath fatigue and distal motor abilities.

The Design and Adaptive Control of a Parallel Chambered Pneumatic Muscle-Driven Soft Hand Robot for Grasping Rehabilitation.

The widespread application of exoskeletons driven by soft actuators in motion assistance and medical rehabilitation has proven effective for patients who struggle with precise object grasping and suffer from insufficient hand strength due to strokes or other conditions. Repetitive passive flexion/extension exercises and active grasp training are known to aid in the restoration of motor nerve function. However, conventional pneumatic artificial muscles (PAMs) used for hand rehabilitation typically allow for bending in only one direction, thereby limiting multi-degree-of-freedom movements. Moreover, establishing precise models for PAMs is challenging, making accurate control difficult to achieve. To address these challenges, we explored the design and fabrication of a bidirectionally bending PAM. The design parameters were optimized based on actual rehabilitation needs and a finite element analysis. Additionally, a dynamic model for the PAM was established using elastic strain energy and the Lagrange equation. Building on this, an adaptive position control method employing a radial basis function neural network, optimized for parameters and hidden layer nodes, was developed to enhance the accuracy of these soft PAMs in assisting patients with hand grasping. Finally, a wearable soft hand rehabilitation exoskeleton was designed, offering two modes, passive training and active grasp, aimed at helping patients regain their grasp ability.

Is Mat pilates effective in lower limb strength and hand grip strength of people with Parkinson’s? A randomized clinical trial with follow-up

IntroductionParkinson's disease can contribute to the loss of muscle strength, and physical exercise such as Mat Pilates can be effective in improving this, core stability, flexibility, and muscle control. ObjectiveTo analyze the effects of a 12-week intervention with Mat Pilates in the short and long term, on lower limb and hand grip strength in people with Parkinson's. MethodsThe study included 23 people (61.7 ± 7.5 years) of both sexes, diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who were selected according to inclusion criteria and divided into intervention and control groups. ResultsThe hand grip variable showed improvement in the intervention group intragroup only in the right hand (p = 0.003) in the post-intervention period. In the lower limb strength variable, there was significance in the extension of the left leg both in the intervention intragroup (p = 0.042), and in the control group (p = 0.001) the result in the flexion of the left leg in the intervention group (p = 0.032). The follow-up data showed significance in the strength of extension of the right leg in the intervention group (p = 0.049) and in the control group (p = 0.024) and in the extension of the left leg in the intervention group (p = 0.021). ConclusionMat Pilates classes for people with Parkinson's with mild and moderate degrees proved to be effective in the short term in the hand grip strength of the right hand, and in the extension and flexion of the left legs, and positive effects in the long term in the strength of extension of the right also left legs.

Strength and dexterity of less affected hand of children with unilateral cerebral palsy: a comparison study with normal peers.

A key aspect of hand function is dexterity, which is described as fine voluntary movements used to manipulate small objects during a specific task. The contralateral hand in children with unilateral cerebral palsy (U-CP); is commonly referred to as a "good" and "unimpaired" hand, while others have noted that it has subtle limitations. Therefore, this study aimed to assess and compare between the strength and dexterity of less-affected hand of children with U-CP and the dominant hand of normal peers. A sample of 120 volunteer children from both sexes and age ranged from 6 to 10 years participated in this study. Out of the 120 children, sixty were normal typically developing (TD) and sixty children with U-CP. Assessment of fine motor dexterity and grip and pinch strength were carried out by the Functional dexterity test (FDT) and Pneumatic squeeze Blub Dynamometer respectively. The results showed that there was a significant lower in pinch and grip strength (p < 0.01) and significant higher FDT scores of children with U-CP compared with that of TD children (p = 0.001). Moreover, there was a significant higher functional levels in TD children compared with that of children with U-CP (p < 0.001) with no significant difference between groups in penalty distribution (p > 0.05). Children with U-CP underperformed with their less-affected hand than the dominant hand of TD age matched peers. Future researches on bilateral hand function may be used to determine the best rehabilitation interventions.

The causal relationships between iron status and sarcopenia in Europeans: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study.

Previous studies have indicated potential associations between metals, lifestyle factors, and sarcopenia. However, the specific causal relationships between iron status, lifestyle factors, and sarcopenia remain unclear. Therefore, we conducted a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) approach to investigate these relationships. The exposure variables included iron status, living alone, coffee intake, alcohol taken with meals, and moderate physical activity, while the outcome variable was sarcopenia, assessed by grip strength in both hands and usual walking pace. We employed the Weighted Median (WM), the Inverse Variance-Weighted (IVW), and other MR methods to explore these problems for analysis. Simultaneously, we conducted a bidirectional MR analysis to assess whether sarcopenia has a reverse causal relationship with internal iron status. In our present research, we found serum iron (P = 0.033), ferritin (P = 0.001), transferrin saturation (P = 0.029) and coffee intake (P = 0.002) revealed a negative trend for sarcopenia, living alone (P = 0.022) and alcohol taken with meal (P = 0.006) showed a opposite trend for sarcopenia. Whereas sarcopenia showed negative trend for ferritin (P = 0.041) and transferrin saturation (P = 0.043), showed the opposite trend for transferrin (P = 0.021). Our study suggested that higher serum iron levels might reduce the risk of sarcopenia. Moreover, living alone and alcohol consumption might increase the sarcopenia risk, while coffee intake and moderate physical activity could reduce the sarcopenia risk.

Efficacy of acute intermittent hypoxia in improving the motor and respiratory functions of individuals with spinal cord injury: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials

Background/Aims Spinal cord injury affects individuals’ mobility, balance and respiratory functions. Acute intermittent hypoxia is a novel intervention that is reported to have positive effects on neuroplasticity and synaptic transmission in individuals with spinal cord injury, which may result in positive effects on motor functions of individuals with spinal cord injury. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the evidence of the safety and efficacy of acute intermittent hypoxia on spinal plasticity, walking performance, balance, breathing function and hand use in individuals with spinal cord injury. Methods Five databases were searched from inception until 7 February 2024 for randomised trials investigating the effects of acute intermittent hypoxia on motor functions in spinal cord injuries. After checking the retrieved trials against the eligibility criteria, a risk of bias assessment using the Risk of Bias 2.0 tool was conducted by two authors independently. In addition, data extraction was conducted by two authors independently, which included the study design, participants’ characteristics, intervention characteristics, outcome measures and results. Results The systematic search retrieved 1120 records, of which only 11 studies were included in the analysis. Nine of the included studies were randomised crossover trials, while two were randomised controlled trials. Acute intermittent hypoxia may have a significant effect on walking performance (ie speed and endurance, ankle strength, dynamic balance, hand strength and function, breathing functions and corticospinal function), but not on intralimb motor coordination, static balance and muscle activity. Conclusions Despite the high risk of bias, small sample sizes, high heterogeneity and inconsistency of the results across the included studies, acute intermittent hypoxia may be a valuable intervention in addressing spinal cord injury motor deficiencies. Larger and well-designed randomised controlled trials are required to reach a definitive conclusion regarding its efficacy. Implications for practice Acute intermittent hypoxia could be considered with caution for inclusion in the management plan for individuals with spinal cord injuries who are aiming for immediate and short-term motor improvement.

Cervical Myeloradiculopathy With Bilateral Foraminal Stenosis Treated by Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic Decompression with Alternating Hemilaminectomy and Bilateral foraminotomy: A Case Report and Technical Note

Cervical myeloradiculopathy is a debilitating condition characterized by progressive spinal cord dysfunction commonly caused by degenerative changes in the cervical spine. It typically exhibits an insidious onset and progressive functional decline, along with multiple exiting nerve root entrapments bilaterally in some patients. Traditional surgical interventions, such as discectomy and fusion, are associated with some complications and limitations. Unilateral biportal endoscopic (UBE) decompression can have significant advantages over traditional techniques when cervical central and bilateral foraminal decompression is required. In this case report and technical note, we describe our experience with this novel surgical technique for the treatment of cervical myelopathy. A 67-year-old patient presented with progressive neck pain; bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy; loss of power and sensation in the C5, C6, and C7 nerve root distribution; gait imbalance, and spasticity. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed multilevel cervical spondylosis with central canal and bilateral foraminal stenosis. The patient underwent UBE central and bilateral foraminal decompression. At a 9-month follow-up visit, he was able to walk unassisted, his reflexes had returned to normal, no spasticity was observed, and he had good grip strength in both hands. This is a novel technique of UBE decompression with bilateral foraminotomy at the C4–5, C5–6, and C6–7 levels and laminectomy named “the floating tip technique.” The procedure involved bilateral 3-level lamino-foraminotomy and hemilaminotomy on both C5 and C6. A hemilamina was removed on the opposite sides, and flavectomy was performed. Postoperative computed tomography findings showed an intact, complete muscular mass with an intact central spinous process. Therefore, this method was labelled the “floating tip technique.”

Effects of Successive Annual Training on Young Swimmers’ Strength Asymmetries and Performance

This study aimed to compare changes in swimmers’ performance, biomechanical variables, and strength asymmetries within two successive training years. Eight competitive age-group swimmers (four males and four females; age: 14.8 ± 1.3 years) were tested before and after the same 12-week mesocycle period within two successive years (Year-1, Year-2). The swimmers were timed in 50, 200, and 400 m, and the stroke rate (SR), stroke length (SL), and stroke index (SI) were calculated. SI was calculated by the product of SL with swimming speed. Dryland shoulder isometric strength (ISO), hand grip isometric strength test (HG), and in-water maximum 30 s tethered swimming force (TF) were evaluated. The asymmetry index was calculated using ISO, HG, and TF tests as [(Fd − Fnd)/0.5 × (Fd + Fnd)] × 100, where Fd is strength in the dominant hand and Fnd is strength in the non-dominant hand. Performance time improved in 200 and 400 m, while the asymmetry indices calculated by the ISO, HG, and TF tests were similar after 12 weeks of training in both Year-1 and Year-2 (p = 0.01). Changes (Δ) in HG strength asymmetries correlated with Δ in 200 and 400 m in Year-2 (r = 0.78–0.87, p = 0.01). The asymmetry index does not change after two successive years of training but may be connected to performance changes in 200 and 400 m front crawl.

Hand-grip strength in recreational downhill skiers: a comparison to normative reference values.

Hand-grip strength was evaluated in 757 recreational downhill skiers and compared to 1021 community-dwellers. Findings are reported for age and sex categories consistent with community-dwelling norms. Effect size (Cohen's d) was calculated to estimate the clinical relevance of strength differences between populations. Most male and half of the female age categories of downhill skiers demonstrated higher grip strength of the dominant hand (moderate to large effect size) compared to the reference population. Hand-grip strength in skiers declined with age at a similar rate as in the reference population. Relative grip strength (per kg body mass) was significantly and positively correlated with physical activity (hours/week), and with the number of ski days per year, and negatively with body mass. Thus, hand-grip strength may be related to the type, volume and intensity of exercise regularly performed. These results can help to assess whether the individual hand-grip strength is above or below average with regard to the normal population and the skier population as well and will support advice for training and/or rehabilitation.

Exploring Hand Function and Performance Disparities among Women in Varied Occupational Spheres: A Preliminary Report

Abstract Introduction The hand represents the most interactive aspect of the upper extremity. Previous research indicates that young individuals and females typically exhibit superior hand dexterity. Limited literature exists regarding the impact of occupations that require dexterous activities on hand function, potentially influencing the preservation of dexterity as individuals age. Objectives This study sought to assess the hand dexterity, grip strength, and pinch strength of female beedi rollers involved in intricate tasks with those of female nonbeedi workers across different age brackets. Materials and Methods This study in a community setting included a sample of 664 female participants, evenly distributed between two groups. The participants were further categorized into age brackets: 25 to 34, 35 to 44, 45 to 54, and 55 to 64 years. Dexterity, grip strength, and pinch strength were assessed using Purdue Pegboard, Jamar hand dynamometer, and pinch meter, respectively. Statistical Analysis Descriptive statistics with mean and standard deviation; analysis of variance and post hoc Bonferroni test were done for multiple comparisons. Results Manual dexterity scores, grip strength, and pinch strength were evaluated and recorded for all age groups among both beedi rollers and nonbeedi workers. Manual dexterity scores were higher in beedi rollers than nonbeedi workers for all age groups, with statistically significant differences (p &lt; 0.05). Similarly, grip strength and pinch strength scores were significantly greater in beedi rollers across all age groups (p &lt; 0.05), except for pinch strength in the nondominant hands of participants aged 35 to 44 and 45 to 54 years of nonbeedi workers, where the differences were not statistically significant (p &gt; 0.05). Conclusion Across all age brackets, beedi rollers exhibited superior manual dexterity, grip strength, and pinch strength compared with nonbeedi rollers. The elevated dexterity scores observed in beedi rollers aged 25 years and older suggest that occupations requiring dexterity may positively influence and maintain hand performance as individuals age, thus highlighting the potential benefits of dexterity-based occupations on aging.

An Ecoflex-encapsulated interlayer-structured triboelectric nanogenerator for Sports activity monitoring

Incorporating self-powered devices with flexible sensors not only tackles the power obstacles linked to wearable electronics but also greatly broadens their capability and application fields. Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) have garnered significant interest in the wearable electronics sector because of their distinct ability to harness ambient energy. Several techniques have been suggested to improve the efficiency of TENG, but these strategies often result in higher intricacy and manufacturing expenses. This study presents an interlayer structure that efficiently increases the surface contact area of TENG, consequently improving their output performance. Using this structure, a cost-effective, highly sensitive, and easily manufacturable sensor called the Ecoflex-encapsulated interlayered triboelectric nanogenerator (EI-TENG), has been developed. The EI-TENG demonstrates superior performance compared to a monolayer TENG (M-TENG) of identical dimensions, exhibiting a 1.6-fold increase in voltage output, a fivefold enhancement in minimum measurement precision, and a 2.29-fold increase in sensitivity. In addition, the EI-TENG exhibits exceptional endurance, as it maintains a consistent output even after undergoing 10,000 cycles. Furthermore, it reliably functions under different temperature and humidity situations. The energy produced by the EI-TENG is adequate to power 45 LED lamps directly. The EI-TENG, when affixed to an athlete’s hand, is capable of sensing the distribution of pressure while dribbling and shooting a ball, which assists athletes in honing their methods and making necessary adjustments to their hand strength. This study not only demonstrates the creation of interlayer-structured TENG, which produces a high amount of electrical energy and is durable and stable in many environments, but also provides valuable information for the future advancement of affordable, self-sustaining electronic devices.

A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Pilot Study of Electroacupuncture with Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Improving Motor Function in Stroke Patients

Objectives: This study aimed to confirm the effectiveness and safety of electroacupuncture (EA) with transcranial direct current electrical stimulation (tDCS) on motor function improvement in stroke patients.Methods: This study was conducted on patients diagnosed with stroke more than 2 weeks but within 12 months of onset. A total of 22 patients were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. The experimental group received EA and tDCS treatment, while the control group received sham EA and sham tDCS treatment. Assessments were conducted using the Korean version of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (K-FMA) scores, grip and pinch strength tests, Box and Block test (BBT), Nine-hole peg test (9HPT), Berg balance scale (BBS), and the Korean version the Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI) scores. Adverse events were recorded at each intervention.Results: No statistically significant differences were observed in general characteristics between the two groups. The K-FMA, BBS, and K-MBI scores of both groups increased significantly after the intervention, but there was no significant difference between the two groups. Although hand strength and dexterity improved after intervention in both groups, the changes were not statistically significant. In the experimental group, the lateral pinch score increased significantly after the intervention, but this increase was not significant compared to the control group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse events between the two groups. All nine reported adverse reactions were minor, with no moderate or severe adverse reactions reported.Conclusion: This study confirmed the potential effectiveness and safety of EA with tDCS in improving motor function in stroke patients.