Measurement and Co-Relation of Hand Span and Dexterity Function in Paediatric Population

Abstract

Background
The measure of handgrip strength is influenced by several factors including age, gender, different angle of shoulder, elbow,wrist and grip span . there is an optimal grip span at which maximum handgrip strength is obtained in adult.Hand span affect maximal and submaximal handgrip strengths. It was found that hand span affect grip strength, grip force and dexterity function in adult as well as geriatric population. In geriatric population hand grip function decreased with age.
Methodology
Screening was done in 3 schools near PCMC area and students were selected as per the inclusion criteria. Total 150 children’s age from 6 to 16 years were selected from the convenient places. Hand span was measured in both hands (Dominant and Non-dominant) from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the small finger with the hand open as wide as possible. And the results of hand span measurement were rounded to nearest whole. The dexterity function was measured using Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test. There were 7 subtests performed in the Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test.
Results :
The results shows that there was a strong negative correlation between the hand span and subtest1,2,3,7 of Jebsen Taylor Hand Function test. There was a moderate negative correlation between the subtest 4,5,6 of Jebsen Taylor Hand Function test.
Conclusion :
In pediatrics, as the age increases, the hand span and hand grip strength increases but the time required to complete the subtest in Jebsen Taylor hand function test decreases. So the dexterity function improves.