Charles Andrew R Chu-Santos¹ and Precious Grace B Handog²*

¹Department of Orthopaedics, Chong Hua Hospital Cebu, Philippines
²Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgery, Department of Orthopaedics, Chong Hua Hospital Cebu, Philippines

*Corresponding Author: Precious Grace B Handog, Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgery, Department of Orthopaedics, Chong Hua Hospital Cebu, Philippines.

Received: May 12, 2021; Published: May 28, 2021

Abstract

Background: The thumb is considered the central component of hand function and involves for 40% to 50% of the hand’s usefulness. Thumb opposition is the hallmark of human hand function and is the most important motion of the hand. Currently there is no quantitative baseline data for thumb opposition strength using a standardized measure and tool. Thus, this study aims to provide the baseline reference using the Jamar B & L Pinch Gauge Dynamometer.

Methods: Purposive sampling was done for recruitment. The maximal strength among three trials for each stage of Kapandji that was designated (Stage 5, 6, 9) was recorded and used in the data.

Results: With 388 individuals included in the study, it was noted that the mean thumb opposition strength in stage 5 right is 4.14 to 4.42 kg, Left 3.79 to 4.04 kg. Stage 6 right 2.80 to 3.02 kg, Left 2.48 to 2.67kg. Stage 9 right 3.23 to 3.40kg, left 3.17 to 3.34 kg. There was significant difference between the 3 designated stages of Kapandji (Stage 5, 6, 9). Generally, males have higher strength than females and that hand dominance has no significant correlation. Age has a positive correlation with thumb opposition strength. BMI and Dash score showed no significant correlation except on Stage 5 left and Stage 6 right.

Conclusion: Baseline reference for thumb opposition strength in the local setting in the Philippines is of significance considering that this function of the thumb is vital and it is involved in several conditions. This data will be of great importance as a quantitative measure for therapeutic assessment and that it can be used as a screening measure for susceptible individuals.

Keywords: Thumb Opposition Strength; Thenar Muscles; Dynamometer; Pinch Strength; Baseline Study

References

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Citation

Citation: Charles Andrew R Chu -Santos and Precious Grace B Handog. “Thumb Opposition Strength in Healthy Adults- A Baseline Study".Acta Scientific Orthopaedics 4.6 (2021): 90-99.

Copyright

Copyright: © 2021 Charles Andrew R Chu -Santos and Precious Grace B Handog. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.