Quantifiable tests for cervical myelopathy; 10-s grip and release test and 10-s step test: Standard values and aging variation from 1230 healthy volunteers

摘要

Purpose: The 10-s grip and release (G&R) test and 10-s step test were reported to be useful tools to evaluate the severity of cervical myelopathy quantitatively. The purpose of this study is to establish the standard values of the 10-s G&R test and 10-s step test as quantitative tests for cervical myelopathy and to elucidate the aging variation and gender difference of those values in a large cohort of normal subjects. Methods: A total of 1230 healthy volunteers were enrolled. They included at least 100 men and 100 women in each decade from the 20s to 70s. Three tests were performed: the number of finger grips and releases in 10 s, number of steps in 10 s, and gripping power. Results: The average number of G&Rs on the weaker side was 21.5 ± 5.5, whereas the average number of steps was 19.7 ± 3.4. The average gripping power on the weaker side was 29.5 ± 9.6 kg. The number of G&Rs and steps in 10 s decreased significantly with age (r = -0.58, -0.43, respectively). The average number of G&Rs on the weaker side was <20 in the 60s and 70s. The number of G&Rs was significantly correlated with the number of steps and gripping power. A significant difference was seen between the genders in all three tests. Conclusion: The standard values of the 10-s G&R test, 10-s step test, and gripping power were established in this study. When these quantifiable tests are used as screening tests of cervical myelopathy, aging variation and gender difference should be considered.