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Hand strength and perceived manual ability among patients with multiple sclerosis
Christine C Chen1, Nicole Kasven, Herbert I Karpatkin
1Department of Occupational Therapy, New York University, New York, NY 10012, USA. ccc2114@columbia.edu
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|May 30, 2007
Summary
Hand function in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients showed lower pinch and grip strength compared to norms. Manual ability correlated more with pinch strength, highlighting its importance for daily tasks.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Occupational Therapy
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) significantly impacts daily living, with hand function often affected.
- Understanding the relationship between objective strength measures and subjective hand abilities is crucial for rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize hand strength and manual abilities in adults with MS.
- To investigate the correlation between hand strength (grip and pinch) and self-reported manual function.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted with 44 community-dwelling adults with MS.
- Grip and various pinch strengths (tip, lateral, palmar) were measured.
- The Manual Ability Measure (MAM-36) assessed self-reported hand function.
Main Results:
- Participants exhibited lower pinch and grip strengths compared to age- and sex-matched female norms.
- The MAM-36 showed a moderate correlation with right-sided pinch strengths (tip, lateral, palmar).
Conclusions:
- Manual ability in MS patients appears more closely linked to pinch strength than grip strength.
- This suggests that fine motor control and dexterity, reflected in pinch strength, are key components of functional hand use in MS.
