How to measure hand grip and finger pinch strength
Hi Forum
I'm researching overuse injuries in massage therapists and one of the tests I've been advised to do by various books I've read is to measure hand grip and finger pinch strength.
How do I position the client to do this and what would be good to get them to grip and pinch. A part of me presumably ;), so I can measure it but what part?
Thanks
Melanie
Answers:
Hi Melanie,
I'm not sure I see the problem. Can't they just sit on your plinth and pinch your hand?
I wouldn't advise using any more sensitive parts of your body, the client might get the wrong idea!! :D
Adam
Answers:
i guess i'm asking for more specific advice - ie. should client have elbows supported on a table while doing this or can their arms be by their sides? also should they squeeze my thumb / finger / hand/ hypthenar eminence/ or foream. i guess for wider grip purposed my upper forearm would be good? any help gratefully accepted. thanks again melanie
Answers:
Oh, I see! Sorry.
Keep the wrist straight. Grip strengthwould bereduced with the wrist flexed, extended, add/abductedbut that is about the only trap I could see. (Try making a tight fist with your wrist in different positions, not always easy!)
Having the elbow supported/bent or straight shouldn't makemuch difference.
Hope that helps
Adam
Message edited thanks to Steve's observation below. Thanks steve.
Answers:
thanks - that makes perfect sense.
Answers:
Hi yogajoga
is there not a dail gauge or digital machine for this test ?( physio's would know).
HI Madmonkas some of our forearm muscles originate from above the elbo I would have thought itlikely elbow position could very well be important ?
steve
Answers:
hi there thanks for the info stephen and editing your post adam.
i don't know if there's any equipment - i guess i could try and find out online - then again I'm not about to purchase anything as this is for a dissertation and I'm not sure I want to outlay the cost on equipment at this stage. maybe if i go on to specialise in this area then it would be worth it.
cheers
melanie
I'm researching overuse injuries in massage therapists and one of the tests I've been advised to do by various books I've read is to measure hand grip and finger pinch strength.
How do I position the client to do this and what would be good to get them to grip and pinch. A part of me presumably ;), so I can measure it but what part?
Thanks
Melanie
Answers:
Hi Melanie,
I'm not sure I see the problem. Can't they just sit on your plinth and pinch your hand?
I wouldn't advise using any more sensitive parts of your body, the client might get the wrong idea!! :D
Adam
Answers:
i guess i'm asking for more specific advice - ie. should client have elbows supported on a table while doing this or can their arms be by their sides? also should they squeeze my thumb / finger / hand/ hypthenar eminence/ or foream. i guess for wider grip purposed my upper forearm would be good? any help gratefully accepted. thanks again melanie
Answers:
Oh, I see! Sorry.
Keep the wrist straight. Grip strengthwould bereduced with the wrist flexed, extended, add/abductedbut that is about the only trap I could see. (Try making a tight fist with your wrist in different positions, not always easy!)
Having the elbow supported/bent or straight shouldn't makemuch difference.
Hope that helps
Adam
Message edited thanks to Steve's observation below. Thanks steve.
Answers:
thanks - that makes perfect sense.
Answers:
Hi yogajoga
is there not a dail gauge or digital machine for this test ?( physio's would know).
HI Madmonkas some of our forearm muscles originate from above the elbo I would have thought itlikely elbow position could very well be important ?
steve
Answers:
hi there thanks for the info stephen and editing your post adam.
i don't know if there's any equipment - i guess i could try and find out online - then again I'm not about to purchase anything as this is for a dissertation and I'm not sure I want to outlay the cost on equipment at this stage. maybe if i go on to specialise in this area then it would be worth it.
cheers
melanie