Unbound MEDLINE

Clinical assessment of hand motor performance after acquired brain injury with dynamic computerized hand dynamometry: construct, concurrent, and predictive validity.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To assess the construct, concurrent, and predictive validity of dynamic computerized hand dynamometry.
DESIGN
Prospective correlational study between dynamometry and functional upper limb performance.
SETTING
Hospital outpatient spasticity clinics.
PARTICIPANTS
Adults with upper motor neuron syndrome affecting the upper limb after acquired brain injury (ABI) (n=38; median age, 50 y; range, 18-81 y) and healthy adult control participants (n=27; median age, 37 y; range, 22-62 y).
INTERVENTION
Not applicable.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Dynamic computerized dynamometry elements of hand performance (isometric force, force velocity, isometric grip work, contraction and relaxation duration) and the Action Research Arm Test.
RESULTS
Motor elements of hand performance objectively measured by the dynamic computerized dynamometry protocol achieved moderate to good validity when correlated with standardized measures of functional hand performance. Dynamic computerized dynamometry identified clear differences in hand performance between participants with and without ABI. Within the ABI group, dynamic computerized hand dynamometry achieved fair to moderate predictive validity with regards to whether a participant would be referred for botulinum toxin A injections.
CONCLUSIONS
This study provides support for the construct, concurrent, and predictive validity of the dynamic computerized dynamometry protocol.

Links

  • Publisher Full Text

    • Authors

    Barden HL, Nott MT, Heard R, Chapparo C, Baguley IJ

    Institution

    Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service, Westmead Hospital, Wentworthville, NSW, Australia. hbar1204@uni.sydney.edu.au

    Source

    Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation 93:12 2012 Dec pg 2257-63

    MeSH

    Adolescent
    Adult
    Aged
    Aged, 80 and over
    Brain Injuries
    Female
    Hand
    Humans
    Male
    Middle Aged
    Motor Neuron Disease
    Motor Skills
    Muscle Spasticity
    Muscle Strength Dynamometer
    Physical Therapy Modalities
    Prospective Studies
    Reproducibility of Results
    Young Adult

    Pub Type(s)

    Journal Article
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

    Language

    eng

    PubMed ID

    22813831