Hand strength and perceived manual ability among patients with multiple sclerosis.
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.
Chen
Christine C
CC
Department of Occupational Therapy, New York University, New York, NY 10012, USA. ccc2114@columbia.edu
Kasven
Nicole
N
Karpatkin
Herbert I
HI
Sylvester
Andrew
A
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