Construction of a Simple Test for Assessment of Hand Function in Primary Care: Theories and experimental trials for the test situation

Abstract

This paper describes a hand test consisting of three steps to test the subject's ability

- to grasp firmly another person's hand

- to hold a pencil firmly with fingers II-V with straight knuckles and maximally flexed finger joints, while the investigator pulls the pencil

- to hold on to a piece of paper with a rounded pinch grip between thumb and index finger while the investigator pulls the paper with a rounded pinch grip with submaximal strength.

All three steps must be performed with each hand without causing pain. The test was an adequate parameter for the grip function, and at the same time could register workload elicited pain, strength, and mobility. The test can be carried out by healthy subjects, but not by patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The test is logically constructed and has a high validity and reliability.

Key Words:

• hand test
• hand handicap
• inflammatory hand disease