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Published on: December 19, 2016
Pinch strength norms for 5-to 12-year-olds
L R Surrey1, J Hodson, E Robinson
1Department of Psychology, University of Indianapolis, 1400 East Hanna Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46227-3697, USA.
Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics
|November 22, 2001
Summary
This study establishes crucial pinch strength norms for children aged 5-12. These developmental standards aid in evaluating functional performance and planning interventions for pediatric hand strength.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric physical therapy
- Hand function assessment
- Developmental pediatrics
Background:
- Functional performance evaluations for children rely on normative data.
- Limited developmental norms exist for pediatric pinch strength.
- Accurate assessment requires established reference standards.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish normative data for pinch strength in children aged 5-12 years.
- To provide reliable standards for clinical use in evaluating pediatric hand function.
- To address the gap in literature regarding developmental pinch strength norms.
Main Methods:
- A random sample of 414 children (aged 5-12) participated.
- Three pinch strength measures were assessed: pad-to-pad, three-jaw chuck, and lateral pinch.
- The B & L Engineering pinch gauge was used with American Society of Hand Therapists' recommended positioning.
Main Results:
- Normative data were established for each of the three pinch strength measures.
- Data were categorized by age groups within the 5-to 12-year range.
- This provides a benchmark for comparing individual child performance.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully generated normative data for pediatric pinch strength.
- These standards are valuable for clinicians assessing and intervening with children.
- The findings contribute essential data to the field of pediatric hand therapy.
