title: Assessing upper extremity capacity as a potential indicator of needs related to household activities for rehabilitation services in people with myotonic dystrophy type 1.
abstract: This study aimed to assess upper extremity capacity as a potential indicator of needs related to household activities for rehabilitation services in people with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). A cross-sectional study was set in an outpatient neuromuscular clinic where 200 adults with a confirmed diagnosis of DM1 (121 women; mean age: 47 y) were selected from the registry of a neuromuscular clinic to participate. Housing-related activities were assessed using the "housing" section of the Assessment of Life Habits Questionnaire (LIFE-H). The upper extremity assessment included grip strength (Jamar dynamometer), lateral pinch strength (pinch gauge), gross dexterity (Box and Block Test) and fine dexterity (Purdue Pegboard Test). Correlations with the LIFE-H item "housing" were stronger for grip and lateral strength (r = 0.62; 0.61). When difficulties were present in "housing", the cut-off score associated with lateral pinch strength was 4.8 kg (sensitivity: 75.6%; specificity: 79.2%). Grip strength presented cut-off scores that clinically differed by gender. In conclusion, potential indicator of needs related to household activities for rehabilitation services with valid assessment tools were developed for people with DM1 who experience difficulties in housing-related activities. These criteria will assist health professionals in their attempt to refer DM1 patients to rehabilitation services at the appropriate time.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12(e) Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada J1H 5N4; Groupe de recherche interdisciplinaire sur les maladies neuromusculaires (GRIMN), Neuromuscular Clinic, Centre de réadaptation en déficience physique de Jonquière, Centre de santé et de services sociaux de Jonquière, 2230 de l'Hôpital cp 1200, Jonquière, QC, Canada G7X 7X2. Electronic address: kateri.raymond@usherbrooke.ca.
authors.forename: Kateri
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Raymond
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12(e) Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada J1H 5N4.
authors.forename: Louis-Pierre
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Auger
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12(e) Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada J1H 5N4.
authors.forename: Marie-France
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Cormier
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12(e) Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada J1H 5N4.
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Vachon
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12(e) Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada J1H 5N4.
authors.forename: Sabrina
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: St-Onge
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12(e) Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada J1H 5N4; Groupe de recherche interdisciplinaire sur les maladies neuromusculaires (GRIMN), Neuromuscular Clinic, Centre de réadaptation en déficience physique de Jonquière, Centre de santé et de services sociaux de Jonquière, 2230 de l'Hôpital cp 1200, Jonquière, QC, Canada G7X 7X2.
authors.forename: Jean
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mathieu
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, 1050, Avenue de la Médecine, Pavillon Ferdinand-Vandry, Bureau 4633, Québec, QC, Canada G1V 0A6; Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Institut de réadaptation en déficience physique de Québec, 525, Boul. Hamel, Bureau H-1312, Québec, QC, Canada G1M 2S8.
authors.forename: Luc
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Noreau
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12(e) Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada J1H 5N4; Groupe de recherche interdisciplinaire sur les maladies neuromusculaires (GRIMN), Neuromuscular Clinic, Centre de réadaptation en déficience physique de Jonquière, Centre de santé et de services sociaux de Jonquière, 2230 de l'Hôpital cp 1200, Jonquière, QC, Canada G7X 7X2.
authors.forename: Cynthia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gagnon
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009223:Myotonic Dystrophy / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010358:Patient Participation; D012944:Social Support; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000503:physiopathology
keywords: Cut-off scores; Homecare services; Muscle strength; Myotonic dystrophy; Rehabilitation; Social participation