Premium
Stimulated grip strength measurement: Validation of a novel method for functional assessment
Author(s) -
Hanwright Philip J.,
Rath Jennifer L.,
Guionneau Nicholas,
Harris Thomas G.W,
Sarhane Karim A.,
Kemp Stephen W.P.,
Hoke Ahmet,
Cederna Paul S.,
Tuffaha Sami H.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
muscle and nerve
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.025
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1097-4598
pISSN - 0148-639X
DOI - 10.1002/mus.26646
Subject(s) - grip strength , isometric exercise , repeatability , physical medicine and rehabilitation , peripheral nerve , reliability (semiconductor) , biomedical engineering , hand strength , medicine , physical therapy , mathematics , anatomy , statistics , power (physics) , physics , quantum mechanics
Background Reliable measurement of functional recovery is critical in translational peripheral nerve regeneration research. Behavioral functional assessments such as volitional grip strength testing (vGST) are limited by inherent behavioral variability. Isometric tetanic force testing (ITFT) is highly reliable but precludes serial measurements. Combining elements of vGST and ITFT, stimulated grip strength testing (sGST) involves percutaneous median nerve stimulation to elicit maximal tetanic contraction of digital flexors, thereby allowing for consistent measurement of maximal grip strength. Methods We measured side‐to‐side equivalence of force using sGST, vGST, and ITFT to determine relative reliability and repeatability. We also performed weekly force measurements following median nerve repair. Results sGST demonstrated greater reliability and inter‐trial repeatability than vGST and similar reliability to ITFT, with the added benefit of serial measurements. Conclusions sGST is a valid method for assessing functional recovery that addresses the limitations of the currently available modalities used in translational peripheral nerve regeneration research.