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Predicting hand function in older adults: evaluations of grip strength, arm curl strength, and manual dexterity
Chiung-Ju Liu1, Deana Marie2, Aaron Fredrick2
1Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Indiana University, 1140 West Michigan Street, CF 311, Indianapolis, IN, 46202-5199, USA. liu41@iu.edu.
Background:
Hand function is critical for independence in activities of daily living for older adults.
Aims:
The purpose of this study was to examine how grip strength, arm curl strength, and manual dexterous coordination contributed to time-based versus self-report assessment of hand function in community-dwelling older adults.
Methods:
Adults aged ≥60 years without low vision or neurological disorders were recruited. Purdue Pegboard Test, Jamar hand dynamometer, 30-second arm curl test, Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test, and the Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument were administered to assess manual dexterous coordination, grip strength, arm curl strength, time-based hand function, and self-report of hand function, respectively.
Results:
Eighty-four adults (mean age = 72 years) completed the study. Hierarchical multiple regressions show that older adults with better arm curl strength (β = -.25, p < .01) and manual dexterous coordination (β = -.52, p < .01) performed better on the time-based hand function test. In comparison, older adults with better grip strength (β = .40, p < .01), arm curl strength (β = .23, p < .05), and manual dexterous coordination (β = .23, p < .05) were associated with better self-report of upper extremity function.
Conclusions:
The relationship between grip strength and hand function may be test-specific. Grip strength becomes a significant factor when the test requires grip strength to successfully complete the test tasks. Arm curl strength independently contributed to hand function in both time-based and self-report assessments, indicating that strength of extrinsic muscles of the hand are essential for hand function.
