Can pinch grip strength be used as a valid indicator of manual dexterity?

Harwin, Simon and Adams, Jo (2007) Can pinch grip strength be used as a valid indicator of manual dexterity? International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation, 14 (10), 1-7.

Record type: Article

Abstract

Outcome measurement is important in clinical practice. Manual dexterity is a relevant component of hand function and improvement in dexterity can often be a treatment aim following hand injury. However, standardized dexterity tests can be costly and time consuming to complete in busy clinical practice. Valid, quick and practical clinical indicators of broader functional performance can be a useful adjunct to outcome measurement. This study examined whether tripod pinch grip strength was a valid indicator of manual dexterity. Thirty healthy volunteers were recruited and their tripod pinch strength was measured using the B+L pinch gauge (B and L Engineering). Manual dexterity was assessed using the Purdue Pegboard.There were strong, statistically significant correlations between pinch strength and manual dexterity for males but not for females in this healthy sample. Tripod pinch grip could be used as a valid indicator for manual dexterity for males but the relationship between dexterity and pinch grip differs between sexes

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