Load distribution of the hand during cylinder grip analyzed by Manugraphy

摘要

Abstract Study Design Clinical measurement and basic research. Introduction Manugraphy allows assessing dynamically all forces applied perpendicular to a cylinder surface by the whole contact area of the hand with a high spatial resolution. Purpose of the Study To identify the physiological load distribution of the whole contact area of the hand during cylinder grip. Methods A sample of 152 healthy volunteers performed grip force tests with 3 cylinder sizes of the Manugraphy system (novel, Munich, Germany) on 3 different days. The whole contact area of the hand was sectioned into 7 anatomic areas, and the percent contribution of each area in relation to the total load applied was calculated. The load distribution of the dominant and nondominant hands and with different cylinder sizes was compared. Furthermore, the load distribution between the finger phalanges of each finger was analyzed. Results The results for the dominant and nondominant hands were in all 7 areas of the hand similar with the percent contribution differing within a range of 1%-4% ( P > .138). Load distribution changed significantly with different cylinder sizes: all 7 areas differed between 1% and 7% with P Discussion For the clinical practice, Manugraphy might be a useful supplement to traditional grip force measurement for identifying the individual characteristics of a patient's dysfunction and monitoring the progress of hand rehabilitation. Conclusions There is no universal or typical load distribution pattern of the hand but only an individual pattern. To evaluate a compromised hand, it is permissible to compare it with the healthy opposite hand as a reference. Several cylinder sizes should be used for load distribution testing. Using smaller handles in the daily life can help to compensate impairment of the thumb and fingertips. Level of Evidence 2.