Do Heberden and Bouchard nodes affect finger dexterity in elderly?
Elderly often have Heberden nodes (HN) and Bouchard nodes (BN) that may affect finger dexterity. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess an effect of HN and BN on finger dexterity of the elderly. The nine-hole peg test was used for dexterity measurement in 200 elderly with HN and/or BN. Mean age was 68.6 +/- 5.39 years. Average performance of each hand was compared between elderly with or without nodes. HN and BN were found in 75 right hands (37.5%) and 73 left hands (36.5%). Nodes were found in females more often than males (p < 0.001). Average right hand dexterity in elderly with and without nodes was 21.6 +/- 3.16 and 21.4 +/- 3.16 s. Average left hand dexterity in elderly with and without nodes was 23.3 +/- 3.13 and 23.3 +/- 3.67 s. There was no significant difference between elderly with or without nodes (p >/= 0.05). In conclusion, HN and BN in elderly hands do not affect finger dexterity. Therapist may use the same training program to prevent deterioration of finger dexterity in elderly with or without nodes.
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Rama IV Road, Prathumwan, Bangkok, Thailand. wkitisom@yahoo.co.th
Wasuwat
W
Kitisomprayoonkul
Kotchakorn
K
Promsopa
Dootchai
D
Chaiwanichsiri
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005385:Fingers / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology; D006227:Hand Deformities, Acquired / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology*; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*