title: The use of the rapid exchange grip test in detecting sincerity of effort, Part I: administration of the test.
abstract: A review of studies that utilize the rapid exchange grip (REG) test revealed that there is no standardized test protocol for administering the test. The purpose of this study was to investigate three factors that affect the result of the REG test: the hand switch rate, the number of grips performed during the test, and the comparative tests used in the interpretation of the REG test. The 146 uninjured subjects performed a series of randomized grip strength tests including the REG test, the maximal static grip test (MSGT), and the five-rung (5R) test while making maximal and submaximal efforts. Results revealed no significant differences in peak REG scores between hand switch rates of 45 and 60 rpm. Significant differences were found for peak REG scores obtained from three vs. five trials. Peak scores from the 5R test vs. the MSGT differed significantly for maximal efforts but not for submaximal efforts. These results led to the following recommendations for a standardized protocol for administering the REG test: 1) the REG maneuver may be administered at a rate of either 45 or 60 rpm; 2) at least five hand-grip exchanges must be performed; and 3) only one comparative test, either the MSGT or the 5R test, should be used consistently for comparison with the REG maneuver. The findings of the present study, however, did not verify which static grip test should be used for comparison with REG scores.
authors.affiliation: The Hand Therapy Center, Gainesville, Florida, USA.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Shechtman
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015982:Bias; D002985:Clinical Protocols / Q000592:standards*; D019937:Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures / Q000592:standards*; D015987:Effect Modifier, Epidemiologic; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D005082:Physical Exertion