Date of Award
6-2013
Document Status
Open Access
Degree Type
Project
Degree Name
Occupational Therapy (M.S.)
Department
Occupational Therapy
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess for differences in the amount of tip, lateral, and three-jaw-chuck pinch force generated when fingers are placed on the groove or bridge of a B&L pinch gauge. Thirty-six healthy volunteers (9 males, 27 females), ages 19-49, participated in the study. Using a quantitative crossover design, each participant pinched six times: one for each type of pinch with fingers placed on the groove and bridge. Although no significant differences were found, results revealed slightly higher three-jaw- chuck and lateral pinch strength when fingers were placed on the groove, whereas tip pinch strength was slightly higher on the bridge. This study found that pinching on the bridge or groove may result in similar pinch strength measurements on a B&L pinch gauge. Based on these results, clinicians may guide clients to place fingers on either the bridge or groove during pinch strength assessment.
ScholarWorks Citation
Boerema, Rachel; Powers, Jamie; and Walukonis, Kelsey, "Impact of Finger Position on Pinch Strength" (2013). Hand and Upper Extremity. 1.
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/ot_hand/1
