The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between hand grip strength, measured in different shoulder positions, and upper extremity muscle strength, and to reveal the clinical significance of position-dependent strength variation.
The method, device, and test position used in measuring hand grip strength can significantly affect the results. Differences in measurement protocols reduce inter-study comparability and highlight the need for standardization (Roberts et al., 2011). However, it is suggested that measurements taken outside the standard position may reflect not only maximal strength but also neuromuscular control and functional force production strategies (Solomon et al., 2020). The question of whether hand grip strength is only an indicator of distal muscle strength or whether it also provides meaningful information about shoulder and upper extremity muscle strength becomes important.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
40
Hand grip strength measurements will be performed using a calibrated hydraulic hand dynamometer (JAMAR®). Measurements will be performed according to the standard protocol recommended by the American Society of Hand Therapists: the participant will be positioned in a seated position with shoulder adduction and neutral rotation, elbow 90° flexion, forearm in neutral position, and wrist 0-30° extension. Three repetitions will be performed for each position, with a 30-second rest period between repetitions to minimize fatigue, and the highest value (kg) will be used in the analysis. Hand grip strength will be assessed in four different shoulder positions: (1) standard measurement position, (2) shoulder 90° flexion, (3) shoulder 90° abduction, and (4) shoulder 30° extension. The measurement order will be randomized to minimize learning and fatigue effects. All measurements will be performed by the same researcher independent of the researcher performing the measurements.
Balıkesir University
Balıkesir, Turkey (Türkiye)
Hand grip strength measurements
Hand grip strength measurements will be performed using a calibrated hydraulic hand dynamometer (JAMAR®, Lafayette Instrument, USA). Measurements will be performed according to the standard protocol recommended by the American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT): the participant will be positioned in a seated position with shoulder adduction and neutral rotation, elbow 90° flexion, forearm in neutral position, and wrist 0-30° extension (Fess and Moran, 1981; Roberts et al., 2011). Three repetitions will be performed for each position, with a 30-second rest period between repetitions to minimize fatigue, and the highest value (kg) will be used in the analysis. Hand grip strength will be assessed in four different shoulder positions: (1) standard measurement position, (2) shoulder 90° flexion, (3) shoulder 90° abduction, and (4) shoulder 30° extension. The measurement order will be randomized to minimize learning and fatigue effects. All measurements will be performed by the same research
Time frame: 1 day
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