J Korean Acad Rehabil Med.  2008 Apr;32(2):200-205.

The Comparison of Hand Grip and Pinch Strength between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Control Groups

• Lee SJ
• Park JW
• Park BJ
• Han SH
• Yoo DH
• Kim MJ

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To determine the usefulness of hand grip and pinch strength in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. METHOD: The experimental subjects were divided into 3 groups (Group 1: 100 persons; control, Group 2: 100 persons; RA without hand deformity, Group 3: 100 persons; RA with hand deformity). They were assessed with using the Modified Barthel Index (MBI), evaluating the activity of daily living (ADL). A JAMAR Hand Dynamometer(R), JAMAR Hydraulic Pinch Gauge(R) (Sammons Preston Rolyan, Ilinois, USA) were used to measure grip and pinch strength. Further assessments included joint deformity counts, and visual analogue scales.
RESULTS
The grip and pinch strength significantly decreased in all groups. The total MBI with other groups significantly decreased in RA patients with hand deformity (group 3). The MBI correlated well with visual analogue scales in group 2 and with joint deformity counts in group 3.
CONCLUSION
Hand grip and pinch strength tests would be a useful tool for the evaluation of hand function in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Keyword

Rheumatoid arthritis; Pinch strength; Grip strength; Modified Barthel Index

MeSH Terms

Arthritis, Rheumatoid
Congenital Abnormalities
Hand
Hand Deformities
Hand Strength
Humans
Joints
Pinch Strength
Weights and Measures