Pinch Strength Norms for 5- to 12-Year-Olds

Abstract

Functional performance evaluations and intervention planning for children and youth is informed by comparisons of their performance to normative standards. The literature contains little data regarding the developmental norms for children on pinch strength. A random sample of 414 children was assessed on three separate measures of pinch strength. Pad-to-pad, three-jaw chuck, and lateral pinch were evaluated using the B & L Engineering pinch gauge while utilizing the standard positioning recommended by the American Society of Hand Therapists. The results were divided into distinct categories for 5-to 12-year-olds. The resulting normative data provide standards for pinch strength in children to be used in the clinical setting.

Key Words:

• Hand strength testing
• pinch strength
• pinch strength gauges
• standard position
• normative outcome data

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jana Hodson

Michael Lepp, PT, is in private practice, Associate Instructor of the Upledger Institute, and Clinical Instructor, Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry, Cleveland, OH.

Marie McKenzie, MS, OTR, is in private practice. She was Coordinator of Occupational Therapy at Scottish Rite Hospital at the time of this study.

Heather Miller, MS, OTR/L, is currently employed by Madison County Educational Service Center, providing therapy services to the county's pre-schools. This research was completed in partial fulfillment of the requirements of an MS degree at Ohio State University.

Linda Viscardis, BA, is Team Leader and Community Development Worker, Peterborough Family Enrichment Centre. She is Co-Founder of P.R.O.S.P.E.C.T.S., a support and advocacy group for families who have children with special needs.

Debra Stewart, BSc, OT(C), is Occupational Therapist, Erinoak, Serving Young People with Physical Disabilities, Mississauga, ON, and Clinical Lecturer, School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University.

Janette McDougall, MA, was Project Coordinator

Kip Husted, BEd, was a parent representative on the study team.

Aviva Yochman, MA, OTR, was a student in the School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel at the time of this study.

Imelda Burgman, MA OTR/L BCP, completed her MA in Movement Sciences at Teachers College, Columbia University, and was an Occupational Therapist at The Shield Institute, Bronx, NY. She is currently Lecturer, Habilitation, School of Community Health, Faculty of Health Studies, Charles Sturt University, Albury, N.S.W., Australia.