Comparison of psychometric properties between the Labin, a new electronic dynamometer, and the Jamar: Preliminary results in healthy subjects

The reliability of a Biometrics device as a tool for assessing hand grip and pinch strength, in a Polish cohort-A prospective observational study

The aim of the study was to assess the external and internal compatibility of the Biometrics E-LINK EP9 evaluation system device in the area of hand grip and pinch strength in the Polish population. The testing of hand grip and pinch strength was carried out among 122 healthy students. Two examiners performed hand grip and pinch strength measurements with a Biometrics E-LINK EP9 evaluation system device. Measurements were made for the right and left hands. The same people were tested again two weeks later, under the same conditions. The scores of one rater on the first and second tests were compared for reproducibility, and the scores of the two raters were compared to assess the reliability of the instrument. The measurements were found to be highly consistent both between the investigators and between the tests in the hand grip dynamometer test. The findings show high values of the Pearson's correlation coefficient equal or close to 1, as well as the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) >0.9. Analysis of pinch strength measurements performed using the pinchmeter also found high values of the Pearson's correlation coefficient close to 1, as well as the interclass correlation coefficient >0.9; this reflects high agreement between the measurements performed by two investigators as well as assessments performed by one investigator at time intervals. These findings were confirmed by analyses performed using Bland-Altman plots. The measurements made with the Biometrics E-link EP9 evaluation system show high internal and external consistency in hand grip and pinch strength assessment. Biometrics E-link EP9 can be recommended for daily clinical practice.

Comparison of two electronic dynamometers for measuring handgrip strength

INTRODUCTION

Handgrip strength (HGS) is a strong predictor and easily applicable assessment, indicating a person's physical condition and health. However, many dynamometers are available; therefore, it is essential to ensure that the results of HGS testing using different dynamometers can be used interchangeably. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the inter-instrument agreement and criterion validity of the Baseline BIMS Digital Grip Dynamometer in comparison with the Jamar electronic dynamometer (Jamar+).

METHODS

Seventy participants, aged between 23-88 (five men and five women in each decade from 20 to 80+), performed three attempts with each dynamometer (30-sec break between attempts) in a randomized order and separated with a 5-minute break between dynamometers. Intraclass correlation coefficient (3.1), standard error of measurement and minimal detectable change were used for comparison of the strongest and average strength measured with dynamometers. Jamar+ and Baseline BIMS Digital Grip Dynamometer were new dynamometers and considered calibrated by the manufacturer.

RESULTS

The overall Intraclass correlation coefficient was excellent (0.98). An average (SD) difference of 0.68 (2.2) kg (p = 0.04) was seen for the comparison of the strongest attempt for Baseline BIMS minus Jamar+, Correspondingly, for the average of three attempts, it was 0.37 (2.29, p = 0.2) kg. The standard error of measurement (%) and minimal detectable change (%) of the strongest attempt was 1.64 kg (4.2%) and 3.55 kg (9.0%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings indicate low measurement error with high agreement and criterion validity for the comparison of Baseline BIMS Digital Grip Dynamometer and Jamar+ and that results of the two dynamometers can be used interchangeably.

Professional Male Beach Handball Players Performance Profile

Beach handball is a sport that has seen an increase in the number of players in the last decade. The aim of the study was to evaluate the basic measures of body composition, maturation, performance outcomes and the adherence to the Mediterranean diet of professional beach handball players, as a function of category (junior vs. senior) and playing positions. Thirty-six professional beach handball players participated in the study: 18 seniors (age: 25.0 ± 5.19) and 18 juniors (age: 16.7 ± 0.46); Each player’s body composition and different sports performance variables were analysed using the CMJ test, the Abalakov test, the Yo-Yo Test IR1 and the handgrip test. The Mediterranean diet Adherence was analysed using the KIDMED questionnaire. Significant differences are observed for all performance variables, with the values of senior players being higher in all cases (p < 0.005). Moreover, the adherence to the Mediterranean diet is moderate. Positive correlations were observed between the CMJ and weight (p = 0.012) and the CMJ and the BMI (p = 0.003). The same was observed for the Abalakov test, with p = 0.004 for weight and p = 0.001 for the BMI. Regarding the dynamometry, it positively correlates with the height (p = 0.002), the sitting height (p = 0.008), wingspan (p < 0.001) and weight (p = 0.011). The opposite occurred with the Yo-Yo Test and the KIDMED variables. Conclusions: One aspect to improve, as a key performance factor, would be the adherence to the Mediterranean diet for both categories. Players with a better adherence, achieved better results in the performance tests.

Orta kolonu ilgilendiren distal radius kırıklarında artroskopik destekli fragman spesifik fiksasyon standart volar plak ile fiksasyona göre üstün müdür?

Purpose: In this study, the clinical and radiological results of volar plating and arthroscopic intervention-assisted fragment-specific fixation techniques used in patients operated for AO Type B-C distal radius fracture in which the medial colon is affected were compared. Materials and Methods: X-ray and clinical records of 98 patients who underwent surgical treatment for radius distal end (DER) fracture between April 2011 and January 2017. The patient groups treated with arthroscopy-assisted fragment-oriented fixation (Group A) and plate screw fixation with a volar approach without arthroscopic intervention (Group B) were compared in terms of joint range of motion, grip strength, and clinical scores. Flexion and extension, ulnar deviation, radial deviation, pronation, and supination angles measured with a standard goniometer were recorded in the joint range of motion measurement. Grip strength was measured with a Jamar dynamometer for power measurement. DASH score was used in clinical evaluation. Results: When the operated wrists of both patient groups were compared, there was no significant difference between the DASH score, grip strength, palmar flexion, and pronation angles of motion. A statistically significant difference was observed between the mean dorsiflexion angles of 55 degrees in group A and 44 degrees in group B, mean radial deviation angles of 25 and 19 degrees, and the mean supination angles of 87 and 80 degrees, respectively. Conclusion: Although arthroscopic-assisted fragment-specific fixation is technically a laborious procedure that requires a learning curve in patients with intra-articular distal radius fractures, it may be beneficial to provide better postoperative results, especially in young patients with high range of motion expectations.

Radial collateral ligament repair of the thumb: long-term outcomes and predictive factors of postoperative deficits

BACKGROUND

The thumb's radial collateral ligament (RCL) plays an important role in stabilizing the first metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP-1). RCL injuries are rare and treatment recommendations are inconsistent in the current literature. The aim of this study was to report on long-term outcomes following surgical repair of thumb RCL tear and to identify prognostic risk factors for treatment failure.

METHODS

Patients with RCL tear from 10/1998 to 10/2019 were included in the present retrospective single center cohort study. In follow-up visits, participants were assessed regarding pain, range of motion and strength as well as with disability of shoulder, arm and hands (DASH), and the Short-Form 36 (SF36) questionnaires. Finally, predictive factors of postoperative deficits were identified.

RESULTS

43 patients fulfilled inclusion criteria. Median age was 43.5 years (range 18-80 years). The most frequent mechanism of injury was a fall or impact. Bony avulsions were identified in 46.5% (20/43). Time from injury to surgery was 12 days (0-276 days). One Stener-like lesion was observed intraoperatively among our patients. After surgical repair, the MCP-1 joint was stable in every patient. Mean time to follow-up was 5.3 years (1 month to 17 years). Persistency of pain in the MCP-1 joint was reported by 11 patients. Postoperative averaged score was 3.75 on DASH and 44.96 on SF36, respectively. The average grip and pinch strength was 32.7 kg and 8.37 kg, respectively. Predictive factors of postoperative deficits were delay of surgery of > 3 weeks (OR 10.72, p 0.017) and palmar subluxation prior to surgery (OR 8.86, p 0.019).

CONCLUSION

Long-term follow-up has proven that surgical repair of RCL enables the patient to regain adequate stability and strength of the MCP-1 joint and minimizes disability. Predictive risk factors of pain persistency after surgery are surgical delay and palmar subluxation of the MCP-1 joint.