Determining Isolated Thumb Forces in Osteoarthritic and Healthy Persons

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Carpometacarpal (CMC) osteoarthritis significantly impacts thumb function, hindering daily activities.
• Assessing thumb force changes is crucial for understanding CMC osteoarthritis progression and treatment efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel method for measuring multi-directional thumb forces.
• To evaluate this method across young healthy, older healthy, and older osteoarthritic populations.
• To determine the impact of short-term hand exercises on thumb force production.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a multi-axis load cell and custom apparatus for precise thumb force measurement.
• Measured forces in radial and palmar abduction/adduction, alongside grip strength.
• Collected data at baseline, week 2, and week 6 during a hand exercise regimen.

Main Results:

• Hand exercises enhanced thumb forces in young healthy females and females with osteoarthritis.
• Grip strength improved in young healthy males, young healthy females, and females with osteoarthritis.
• The study demonstrated significant improvements in specific thumb movements and overall grip strength.

Conclusions:

• A new device effectively measures isolated thumb forces in multiple directions.
• This method shows clinical utility for tracking changes following interventions like hand exercises.
• The findings support the use of targeted exercises to improve thumb function in various populations, including those with CMC osteoarthritis.