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Pinch Strength Measurements in Adolescents With Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis
Mary Squillace1, Lauren Krupp2, Sharon Ray3
1Occupational Therapy Department, School of Health Professions, New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury, NY, USA (MS).
International Journal of MS Care
|January 30, 2023
Summary
Adolescents with multiple sclerosis (MS) showed reduced right-hand 2-point pinch strength compared to peers. This finding highlights the need to assess pinch strength in pediatric MS for daily function.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a degenerative neurological disease typically affecting adults aged 20-50.
- There is a noted increase in MS diagnoses among adolescents in the US.
- Fine motor skills are crucial for adolescent academic and functional performance, and MS can impair these abilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences in 2-point, 3-point, and lateral pinch strength between adolescents with MS and their healthy peers.
- To determine the impact of pediatric MS on specific components of hand pinch strength.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 74 adolescents (37 with relapsing-remitting MS, 37 controls) participated.
- Pinch strength (2-point, 3-point, lateral) was measured in both hands using a pinch meter.
- Analyses of covariance and Cohen's d effect sizes were employed to compare groups.
Main Results:
- Adolescents with pediatric MS exhibited significantly weaker 2-point pinch strength in their right hand compared to controls.
- No significant differences were observed in left-hand 2-point pinch strength.
- Three-point and lateral pinch strength did not differ significantly between groups in either hand.
Conclusions:
- Pinch grasp strength is affected differently in adolescents diagnosed with MS.
- Assessment of pinch strength is recommended for adolescents with MS to better understand functional limitations in daily living and academic tasks.
