Affiliations: [a] Faculty of Care and Rehabilitation, Division of Occupational Therapy, Seijoh University, Aichi, Japan | [b] Department of Rehabilitation, Tokai Memorial Hospital, Aichi, Japan
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Hiroyuki Hayashi, Faculty of Care and Rehabilitation, Division of Occupational Therapy, Seijoh University, 2-172 Fukinodai, Tokai, Aichi 476-8588, Japan. Tel.: +81 52 601 6451; Fax: +81 52 601 6451; E-mail: hayashi-h@seijoh-u.ac.jp.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Upper-limb function is important in patients with hip fracture so they can perform activities of daily living and participate in leisure activities. Upper-limb function of these patients, however, has not been thoroughly investigated. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the upper-limb motor and sensory functions in patients with hip fracture by comparing these functions with those of community-dwelling older adults (control group). METHODS: We compared the results of motor and sensory function tests of upper-limb function – range of motion, strength, sensibility, finger dexterity, comprehensive hand function – between patients with hip fracture (n= 32) and the control group (n= 32). RESULTS: Patients with hip fracture had significantly reduced grip strength, pinch strength, finger dexterity, and comprehensive hand function compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Most upper-limb functions are impaired in the patients with hip fracture. Thus, upper-limb function of patients with hip fracture should be considered during treatment.
Keywords: Hip fracture, upper limb, hand, community-dwelling, comparative study
