Hand Grip Strength as a Predictive Tool for Upper Extremity Functionality, Balance, and Quality of Life in People...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Clinical Assessment

Background:

• Upper extremity strength and function are underutilized in routine multiple sclerosis (MS) care.
• Assessing hand muscle strength and functionality in MS is crucial for comprehensive patient evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate hand muscle strength and functionality in individuals with MS.
• To investigate correlations between hand strength and upper extremity function, cognitive status, HRQOL, and balance.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study of 45 MS patients (18-65 years).
• Evaluated hand grip strength, upper limb function (9-Hole Peg Test, Duruoz Hand Index), balance (Berg Balance Scale, Falls Efficacy Scale, 30-Second Chair Stand Test), and cognition (Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Symbol Digit Modalities Test).
• Assessed health-related quality of life (HRQOL) using the MS Quality of Life-54 questionnaire.

Main Results:

• Higher hand grip strength correlated significantly with better hand function, balance, and falls efficacy scores.
• Regression analysis indicated a positive association between hand grip strength and overall HRQOL.

Conclusions:

• Increased hand grip strength (HGS) is linked to improved hand functionality, balance, and HRQOL in MS patients.
• Supports the routine measurement of HGS in the clinical management of multiple sclerosis.