title: Reliability of maximal grip strength measurements and grip strength recovery following a stroke.
abstract: METHODS
  Clinical measurement.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The test-retest reliability of maximal grip strength measurements (MGSM) is examined in subjects for 12 weeks post-stroke together with maximal grip strength recovery and the maximal-grip and upper-extremity strength measurements' relationship with capacity and performance test scores.
  
  
  METHODS
  A Jamar dynamometer and the Motricity Index (MI) were used for strength measurements. The Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory and ABILHAND questionnaire for evaluating capacities and performances.
  
  
  RESULTS
  MGSM were reliable (Intraclass Correlation Coefficients = 0.97-0.99, Minimal Detectable Differences = 2.73-4.68 kg). Among the 34 participants, 47% did not have a measurable grip strength one week post-stroke but 50% of these recovered some strength within the first eight weeks. The MGSM and MI scores were correlated with scores of tests of capacity and performance (Spearman's Rank Correlation Coefficients = 0.69-0.94).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  MGSM are reliable in the first weeks after a stroke.
  
  
  METHODS
  N/A.
authors.affiliation: Haute école de travail social et de la santé, EESP, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Chemin des Abeilles 14, 1010 Lausanne, Switzerland. Electronic address: martine.bertrand@eesp.ch.
authors.forename: Anne Martine
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Bertrand
authors.affiliation: BMI Healthcare, Hand Therapy Service, London Region, 3 Paris Garden, Southwark, SE1 8ND London, UK.
authors.forename: Katia
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Fournier
authors.affiliation: Occupational Therapy Service, Health Department, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Av. Pierre-Decker 5, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Marie-Gabrielle
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Wick Brasey
authors.affiliation: Occupational Therapy Service, Health Department, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Av. Pierre-Decker 5, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Marie-Laure
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Kaiser
authors.affiliation: Unit of Neurorehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Service NPR, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Av. Pierre-Decker 5, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Rolf
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Frischknecht
authors.affiliation: Acute Neurological Rehabilitation Unit, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), rue du Bugnon 46, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Karin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Diserens
mesh_terms: D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053581:Muscle Strength Dynamometer; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation
keywords: Grip strength; Reliability; Stroke; Upper extremity