Relationship between self-reported upper limb disability and quantitative tests in hand-arm vibration syndrome

Abstract

Purpose. To establish the relationship between quantitative tests of hand function and upper limb disability, as measured by the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, in hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS).

Method. A total of 228 individuals with HAVS were included in this study. Each had undergone a full HAVS assessment by an experienced physician, including quantitative tests of vibrotactile and thermal perception thresholds, maximal hand-grip strength (HG) and the Purdue pegboard (PP) test. Individuals were also asked to complete a DASH questionnaire.

Results. PP and HG of the quantitative tests gave the best and statistically significant individual correlations with the DASH disability score (r² = 0.168 and 0.096). Stepwise linear regression analysis revealed that only PP and HG measurements were statistically significant predictors of upper limb disability (r² = 0.178). Overall a combination of the PP and HG measurements, rather than each alone, gave slightly better discrimination, although not statistically significant, between normal and abnormal DASH scores with a sensitivity of 73.1% and specificity of 64.3%.

Conclusions. Measurements of manual dexterity and hand-grip strength using PP and HG may be useful in helping to confirm lack of upper limb function and ‘perceived’ disability in HAVS.

Keywords:

• Hand-arm vibration syndrome
• disability
• manual dexterity
• hand-grip