Effects of hand physical features on hand function


Yulcel H., KAYIHAN H.

TURKISH JOURNAL OF PHYSIOTHERAPY REHABILITATION-FIZYOTERAPI REHABILITASYON, cilt.19, sa.1, ss.24-29, 2008 (ESCI) identifier identifier

Özet

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the factors that affect hand functionality in university students. Material and methods: 201 healthy students of Hacettepe University School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation ages between 18 and 25 were included in the study. The demographic features of students such as age, gender, hand dominance, height, weight and recreational activities were recorded. As anthropometric parameters, the diameter, circumference, length and volume of the hand were measured. Hand and pinch grip strength were assessed by I Tech Computerized Functional Capacity Evaluation System in a standardized position of Association of American Hand Therapists. Hand fine dexterity was tested by Jebsen Hand Function (JHF) Test. The correlation among gip/pinch strength and antropometric values and hand function were investigated by using appropriate statistical methods. Results: In this study, when grip strength and antropometric outcomes were compared in regards to gender, the difference was meaningful in favor of males (p<0.05). It was found that female students were more successful than males in JHF Test (p<0.05). The correlation of grip/pinch strength and hand function was not statistically meaningful (p>0.05), The only correlation between anthropometric values and hand function were between volume and hand function (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that only grip strength and anthropometric measurements are not enough to test hand functionality in physiotherapy and rehabuiltation practice. The results of this study imply that new studies which evaluate factors affecting hand function in a detailed manner are warranted.