title: Predicting hand function in older adults: evaluations of grip strength, arm curl strength, and manual dexterity.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Hand function is critical for independence in activities of daily living for older adults.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to examine how grip strength, arm curl strength, and manual dexterous coordination contributed to time-based versus self-report assessment of hand function in community-dwelling older adults.
  
  
  METHODS
  Adults aged ≥60 years without low vision or neurological disorders were recruited. Purdue Pegboard Test, Jamar hand dynamometer, 30-second arm curl test, Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test, and the Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument were administered to assess manual dexterous coordination, grip strength, arm curl strength, time-based hand function, and self-report of hand function, respectively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eighty-four adults (mean age = 72 years) completed the study. Hierarchical multiple regressions show that older adults with better arm curl strength (β = -.25, p < .01) and manual dexterous coordination (β = -.52, p < .01) performed better on the time-based hand function test. In comparison, older adults with better grip strength (β = .40, p < .01), arm curl strength (β = .23, p < .05), and manual dexterous coordination (β = .23, p < .05) were associated with better self-report of upper extremity function.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The relationship between grip strength and hand function may be test-specific. Grip strength becomes a significant factor when the test requires grip strength to successfully complete the test tasks. Arm curl strength independently contributed to hand function in both time-based and self-report assessments, indicating that strength of extrinsic muscles of the hand are essential for hand function.
authors: Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Indiana University, 1140 West Michigan Street, CF 311, Indianapolis, IN, 46202-5199, USA. liu41@iu.edu.
authors: Chiung-Ju
authors: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4894-2649
authors: CJ
authors: Liu
authors: Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Indiana University, 1140 West Michigan Street, CF 311, Indianapolis, IN, 46202-5199, USA.
authors: Deana
authors: D
authors: Marie
authors: Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Indiana University, 1140 West Michigan Street, CF 311, Indianapolis, IN, 46202-5199, USA.
authors: Aaron
authors: A
authors: Fredrick
authors: Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Indiana University, 1140 West Michigan Street, CF 311, Indianapolis, IN, 46202-5199, USA.
authors: Jessica
authors: J
authors: Bertram
authors: Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Indiana University, 1140 West Michigan Street, CF 311, Indianapolis, IN, 46202-5199, USA.
authors: Kristen
authors: K
authors: Utley
authors: Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Indiana University, 1140 West Michigan Street, CF 311, Indianapolis, IN, 46202-5199, USA.
authors: Elaine Ewing
authors: EE
authors: Fess
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D001132:Arm / Q000502:physiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D018737:Hand Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D057566:Self Report
keywords: Aging; Arm strength; Fine motor coordination; Grip strength; Hand function