Affiliations: School of Occupational Therapy, University of
Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46227, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Penelope Moyers, EdD, OTR, FAOTA,
Dean & Professor, University of Indianapolis School of Occupational
Therapy, 1400 E. Hanna Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46227, USA. Tel.: +1 317 788
3266; Fax: +1 317 788 3542; E-mail: moyers@uindy.edu
Abstract: Objective: The purpose of this study was to improve the
standardization of the current protocol for measuring hand volume with the
commercial volumeter. Method: A repeated-measures design was used to determine test-retest
reliability of the new protocol of measuring hand volume with the commercial
volumeter. The new protocol used a height-adjustable table and external trunk
support of the participant in order to maintain consistency of web-space
pressure between the first and second measurement. A 1 ml micropipette was used
to obtain a more accurate volume reading. An intraclass correlation (2,1),
repeated measures ANOVA, and standard error of measurement were used to
determine the results of this study. Results: This study confirmed the test-retest reliability of the
commercial volumeter and decreased the standard error of measurement to 3~ml as
opposed to the current standard of 10 ml. Conclusion: Clinically, this study is significant in that
occupational and physical therapists can detect more subtle change in hand
volume.
Keywords: hand volume, edema, volumetric measurement
