Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2025

Measuring the Motor Aspect of Cancer-Related Fatigue using a Handheld Dynamometer
Published on: February 20, 2020
Do handgrip strength and dexterity predict respiratory function in neuromuscular disease?
Ertugrul Safran1, Aysel Yildiz Ozer2, Hulya Nilgun Gurses3
1Bezmialem Vakif University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Division of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Istanbul, Turkey.
Background:
Neuromuscular diseases are acquired or inherited diseases that affect the function of the muscles in our body, including respiratory muscles.
Objective:
We aimed to discover more cost-effective and practical tools to predict respiratory function status, which causes serious problems with patients with neuromuscular disease.
Methods:
The Vignos and Brooke Upper Extremity Functional Scales were used to evaluate functional status for patient recruitment. The handgrip strength and dexterity of patients were measured using a dynamometer and nine-hole peg test. Respiratory function parameters: forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second, and peak expiratory flow were evaluated using spirometry.
Results:
The mean age of the 30 patients was 11.5 ± 3.79 years old. Significant relationships were found between nine-hole-peg-test scores and respiratory function parameters on both sides. Significant correlations were found between both handgrip strength and respiratory function parameters (p < 0.05). In the linear regression analysis, it was seen that the forced expiratory volume in 1 second, and peak expiratory flow values could be explained in different percentages (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
Handgrip strength and dexterity measurements can be used as indicators for estimating respiratory function parameters in terms of cost and accessibility, although it is known that they will not replace respiratory function tests.
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests
The edrophonium test is a diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis. It involves...
Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection
Chest Configuration
The chest configuration...
Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Palpation
Thoracic Palpation
Thoracic palpation detects tenderness, masses, lesions, respiratory excursions, and vocal fremitus. The nurse assesses...
Assessment of Respiration
Subjective Assessment: Nurses interview the patient to gather information directly during the subjective assessment. It includes questions about the individual's medical history, medications, and symptoms, focusing on past respiratory conditions like...

