Abstract: This study examined the relationship among the recovery grip
strength, functional outcomes, and work performance following occupational
therapy intervention for hand trauma. This study had a sample size of 15
participants whose recovery grip strength was measured using a Jamar
dynamometer, whose satisfaction with outcomes was measured by the Michigan Hand
Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ), and whose compliance with the home therapy
program was measured by a visual analog scale (VAS). A Pearson r correlation
demonstrated a significant relationship between recovery grip strength and two
MHQ subset scores: overall hand function (r = 0.59,
p = 0.019) and activities of daily living (ADL) performance
(r = 0.61, p = 0.016). The participants'
self-rating of compliance did not predict or influence either recovery grip
strength or MHQ scores. A moderate positive correlation approaching
significance (r = 0.51, p = 0.052) was
found between grip strength and overall MHQ scores. The researchers concluded
that a recovery grip strength measure should be used along with functional
measures to appropriately assess overall hand function following hand
trauma.
Keywords: grip strength, functional outcomes, work performance, hand trauma, Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire
