title: Hand strength and perceived manual ability among patients with multiple sclerosis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe hand function among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and to examine the relationship between strength and self-reported abilities.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional study using a convenience sample.
  
  
  METHODS
  Outpatient department at a rehabilitation center.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-four community-dwelling adults with MS (mean age, 49+/-9 y; range, 34-68 y) who were monitored by rehabilitation practitioners.
  
  
  METHODS
  Not applicable.
  
  
  METHODS
  Grip and pinch (tip, lateral, palmar) strengths and Manual Ability Measure (MAM-36).
  
  
  RESULTS
  When compared with the 50- to 54-year-old female norms, the pinch and grip strengths of the sample were lower. MAM-36 correlated moderately with right pinch (tip, lateral, palmar) strengths (r range, .51-.59; P<.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Manual ability seems to be more associated with pinch than grip strengths, probably because finger strength and dexterity are both needed to perform many hand tasks.
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Therapy, New York University, New York, NY 10012, USA. ccc2114@columbia.edu
authors.forename: Christine C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Nicole
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kasven
authors.forename: Herbert I
authors.initials: HI
authors.lastname: Karpatkin
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sylvester
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009048:Motor Skills; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010465:Perception