The Takei Handheld Dynamometer: An Effective Clinical Outcome Measure Tool for Hand and Wrist Function in Boxing

BACKGROUND

The aim of this article was to explore retrospectively the Takei dynamometer as a valid and reliable outcome measure tool for hand and wrist pathology in the Great Britain amateur boxing squad between 2010 and 2014.

METHODS

Longitudinal retrospective injury surveillance of the Great Britain boxing squad was performed from 2010 to 2014. The location, region affected, description, and duration of each injury were recorded by the team doctor and team physiotherapists. For each significant injury, we recorded hand grip scores using the Takei handheld dynamometer and compared the scores with baseline measures.

RESULTS

At the hand, fractures and dislocations were highly detected with an average difference of 40.2% ( P < .05) when comparing postinjury to baseline measures. At the wrist, carpometacarpal and carpal joint injuries were highly detected with an average difference of 32.6% ( P < .05). Other injuries provided varied results. In the absence of pathology, up to 15% difference between left and right scores can be considered normal with a predominance observed below 10%. A difference of 20% can be indicative of a form of pathology, although pathologies can also be present with lower difference or no apparent changes. A difference of >20% should be highly considered for significant pathology.

CONCLUSIONS

The Takei dynamometer is a valid and reliable outcome measure tool for hand and wrist pathologies in boxing. Our study highlights the importance of appropriate clinical tools to guide injury management in this sport.