title: Grip strength dynamometry: reliability and validity for adults with upper limb burns.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Upper limb (UL) burns can result in significant loss of strength and physical function. The aim of this study was to establish the reliability and validity of grip strength dynamometry (GSD) for measuring burn-affected UL strength over time.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective sample of adult participants (n=89) with UL burns was obtained from Royal Perth Hospital. Data were compiled from assessments conducted at discharge, one, three, six and 12 months afer burn. Within-session reliability and validity was examined through multivariable analyses.
  
  
  RESULTS
  GSD demonstrated within-session reliability for all investigated timepoints (ICC's≥0.87, p<0.0005.) Criterion validity was confirmed with GSD and QuickDASH being significantly associated in both right (b=0.17, p=0.002) and left (b=0.14, p=0.002) hands. Construct validity was demonstrated through significant association of GSD values with location of burn (p<0.35); time after burn (p<0.012); surgical intervention (p=0.003) and burn size (p<0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study demonstrates that grip strength dynamometry is a reliable and valid outcome measure for measuring burn-affected UL strength from one month to one year after burn.
authors.affiliation: School of Physiotherapy, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, Western Australia.
authors.forename: Merci S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Clifford
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hamer
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Phillips
authors.forename: Fiona M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Wood
authors.forename: Dale W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Edgar
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002056:Burns / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000379:methods; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000293:injuries*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Burn; Dynamometry, QuickDASH; Fatigue effect; Grip strength; Outcome measure; Reliability; Sensitivity; Upper limb; Validity