Hand Grip Strength, Dexterity and Hand function and its Relationship with Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Functional Decline in a Selected Geriatric Population

Chigozie I Uchenwoke; Ebere P Odoh; Ijeoma J. Ilo; Adaora J Okemuo; Chidiebele P Ojukwu; Sylvester C Chukwu

Online Journal of Health & Allied Sciences (Sep 2020)

Hand Grip Strength, Dexterity and Hand function and its Relationship with Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Functional Decline in a Selected Geriatric Population

Chigozie I Uchenwoke,
Ebere P Odoh,
Ijeoma J. Ilo,
Adaora J Okemuo,
Chidiebele P Ojukwu,
Sylvester C Chukwu

Affiliations

Chigozie I Uchenwoke: Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria
Ebere P Odoh: Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria
Ijeoma J. Ilo: Department of Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria
Adaora J Okemuo: Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria
Chidiebele P Ojukwu: Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria
Sylvester C Chukwu: Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 19, no. 2

Abstract

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Background/Objectives: Age associated skeletal muscle changes may impact on cardiorespiratory function. The study is aimed at investigating hand grip strength, dexterity and hand function and its relationship with selected cardiorespiratory fitness parameters and functional decline in a selected geriatric population. Materials and Methods: The study utilized a cross-sectional survey design. A total of 115 (46 males and 69 females), geriatrics who met the inclusion criteria participated in the study. Their Hand grip strength (HGS), Dexterity using Coin Rotation Task (CRT), Hand function using Michigan hand outcome Questionnaire (MHQ), selected cardiorespiratory fitness parameters (FEV1, FVC, PEFR, FEV1/FVC,VO2max), functional decline using Groningen Activity Restriction Scale (GARS) and Demographic variables were assessed. Data was analyzed using Descriptive statistics, Pearson moment correlation and multiple regression analysis. Significance level was set at 0.05. Results: There was a statistically significant positive correlation between HGS and FEV1 (r=0.326, p=0.001), FVC (r=0.295, p=0.001), PEFR (r=0.479, p=0.001), a statistically significant negative correlation between CRT and FEV1 (r=-0.318, p=0.001), FVC (r=-0.295, p=0.001), PEFR (r=-0.448, p=0.001) and a positive correlation for GARS (r=0.514, p=0.001); a statistically significant negative correlation between MHQ, FEV1 (r=-0.185, p=0.048), PEFR (r=-0.227, p=0.015). HGS statistically predicted FEV1 (p=0.001), PEFR (p=0.001) and GARS (p=0.001), Dexterity statistically predicted FEV1 (P=0.045), PEFR (P=0.002), GARS (p=0.001), while MHQ statistically predicted GARS (p=0.001). Conclusion: HGS, dexterity and hand function correlates and predicts some cardiorespiratory fitness parameters and functional decline in the elderly and thus, assessment of these parameters may be used clinically to determine individuals with elevated risk of cardiorespiratory impairment.

Published in Online Journal of Health & Allied Sciences

ISSN: 0972-5997 (Online)
Publisher: Light House Polyclinic Mangalore
Country of publisher: India
LCC subjects: Medicine
Website: http://www.ojhas.org/

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