Myles, Louise, Massy-Westropp, Nicola, and Barnett, Fiona (2023) The how and why of handgrip strength assessment. British Journal of Occupational Therapy. (In Press)

Preview

PDF (Publisher Accepted Version) - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial. Download (272kB) | Preview

Abstract

Introduction: Occupational therapists and physiotherapists routinely assess Hand grip Strength (HGS) to evaluate hand function. This study explored the experiences of clinicians who regularly assess and evaluate HGS including the testing protocol utilised, evaluation methods and the influence of various biological and functional factors. Method: This exploratory survey (n = 49) was distributed online to members of the Australian Hand Therapy Association. The questionnaire asked recipients to identify HGS testing protocols, evaluation methods, use of normative data, reasons for assessment and the influence of biological and functional factors on HGS. Demographic data was also collected. Results: Sixty-four percent of respondents were occupational therapists and 59% had over 10 years’ experience assessing HGS. The standardised American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT) testing protocol was consistently adopted by only 67% of respondents . Variations in contraction time, scoring and evaluation methods were identified. Gender, age, employment and lifestyle were considered the functional and biological factors which influence HGS. Conclusion: This study details how and why occupational therapists and physiotherapists in Australia assess and evaluate HGS. Use of the ASHT testing protocol is not universal. Clinicians rely on the reason for assessment, clinical experience and practice context to determine how they assess and evaluate HGS.

Item ID:	81215
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	1477-6006
Copyright Information:	CC BY-NC.
Date Deposited:	27 Nov 2023 23:39
FoR Codes:	42 HEALTH SCIENCES > 4201 Allied health and rehabilitation science > 420104 Occupational therapy @ 100%
SEO Codes:	20 HEALTH > 2001 Clinical health > 200199 Clinical health not elsewhere classified @ 100%
Downloads:	Total: 19 Last 12 Months: 12
	More Statistics