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American Society of Hand Therapists Clinical Assessment Recommendations

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CLINICAL
ASSESSMENT
RECOMMENDATIONS
- - ·· - · ~----------

CLINICAL
ASSESSMENT

RECOMMENDATIONS

AMERICAN SOCIETY
of
HAND THERAPISTS
Copyright © 1981 by the American Society of Hand Thera-
pists
A11 rights reserved.
Printed in the United States of America
Ueveloped and written by:
Elaine Ewing Fess, MS, OTR
Christine A. Moran, MS, RPT

Edited by the following 1980-81 ASHT officers and Comm-

ittee Chairmen:
A. Gloria Hershman, OTR
Evel yn J. Mackin, LPT
Georgiann F. Laseter, OTR
Valerie A. Holdeman, RPT
Karen H. Prendergast, RPT
Gloria DeVore, OTR
Cynthia A. Philips, OTR
Shirley Ollos Pearson, MS, OTR
Lynnlee Fullenwider, OTR
Carolina deLeeuw, OTR
Margaret S. Carter, OTR
Susan D. Morales, OTR
Judith A. Bell, OTR
Judy C. Colditz, OTR
Robert J. Duran, M.D., 1980- 81 Chairma n of the Clinical
Committee of the American Society for Surge ry of the Hand,
and Jerome E. Adamson, M.D. are gratefull y acknowledged
for their assistance in developing and editing this mono -
graph.
Elaine Ewing Fess
Christine A. Moran
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction
Assessment Recommendations
Joint Motion 3

Grip and Pinch 6

Volume 8

Dexterity and Coordination 10

Bibliography 13

..
I often say that when you can measure what you are speak-
ing about and express it in numbers, you know something
about it; but when you cannot measure it in numbers your
knowledge is of a meag re and unsatisfactory kind; it may
be the beginning of knowledge but have scarcely in your
thought advanced to the stage of science whatever the
matter may be.

Lord Kelvin
 INTRODUCTION
The fundamental goal of hand rehabilitation is to return
each patient to an optimal level of competency in meeting
the daily challenges of his environment. Accomplishment
of this goal is dependent upon the expertise of those who
are responsible for directing the individual rehabilita-
tion programs, and their effectiveness is contingent upon
their abilities to identify and perceive the specific
hand dysfunction problems presented. Because the under-
standing of these problems, through analysis of assess-
ment data, is directly influenced by the quality of in-
formation gathered, it is imperative that data collection
and review be implemented utilizing stringent criteria for
the selection of evaluation instruments and methods.
A thorough, exacting and unbiased assessment procedure
provides the medical specialist with information that
delineates pathology and establishes a framework for pre-
dicting the rehabilitation potential of a hand which has
been debilitated by disease or injury. The analysis of
initial evaluation data assists in identifying treatment
objectives, facilitates ordering of priorities, and pro-
vides a baseline for a nonprejudicial determination of
patient progress. In addition to stimulating patient and
staff motivation, the use of objective measurements re-
corded at regular intervals throughout a systematic
course of treatment allows for an impartial appraisal of
the effectiveness of treatment methods. Assessment data
obtained through formal study and investigation also
serves as the foundation of a common language for profes-
sional communication and promotes unbiased comparison of
hand rehabilitation methods and techniques.
While the value of experience cannot be underestimated, in
an era of increasing consumer awareness and demand for
accountability, one must question the sole reliance on
therapeutic techniques which have not been substantiated
or given credence through quantitative measurement. The
use of instruments which have been proven to measure pre-
cisely and accurately and which produce consistently de-
pendable information allows the clinician to move from a
· subjective to objective level of observation and under-
standing. The greater the accuracy of the instrument in
its ability to measure a given entity, the better the op-
portunity the examiner has of deducing reasonable con-
clusions. When dealing with numrically expressed facts,
identifying and eliminating extraneous variables reduces

~---
the chance of error or subconscious bias in subsequent
judgments and decisions.
Although numerous instruments have been designed to aid in
defining pathology of the hand, no single device exists
which has universal application. Instead, various tools
have been developed to measure specific capacities of the
hand i.e., strength, motion, volume and coordination. The
astute clinician, relying on many tools to assess the
total spectrum of hand performance, chooses testing in-
struments which will provide the most accurate and precise
information possible.
The importance of critically appra1s1ng hand assessment
instruments cannot be overemphasized. Many of the cur-
rently available and commonly utilized tools are sur-
prisingly inadequate when viewed in terms of consistency,
dependability, and accuracy. Even when instruments meet
selection criteria, recalibration adjustments are neces-
sary. Hand assessment instrumentation is in a develop-
mental phase and the challenges of refinement are just
becoming apparent!

PURPOSE

To encourage more uniform procedures, the purpose of this

monograph is to recommend basic guidelines for four
techniques frequently utilized in the appraisal of hand
dysfunction: (l) range of motion, (2) grip and pinch
strength, (3) volume, and (4) coordination and dexterity.
These recommendations are introduced not with the intent
of mandating protocol but in hopes of initiating steps
toward a more coherent and concise language among medi-
cal specialists dealing with the hand. Methods and
nomenclature which have been selected with exacting
criteria significantly enhance the possibility for pre-
cise assessment and directly influence the quality of
treatment and communication.

2
ASSESSMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
JOINT MOTION
Based on a review of The Hand, published by the American
Society for Surgery of the Hand, Joint Motion - Method of
Measurin and Recordin , by the American Academy of
Orthopedic Surgeons, AAOS), and other pertinent studies,
it is recommended that joint measurement be taken with an
appropriate size goniometer utilizing oo as neutral posi-
tion. Unless specified, goniometric measurements may be
taken on either the dorsal or lateral aspect of the joint
{Figure 1), and in the presence of moderate to severe
joint swelling, lateral measurements are preferred. The
consistency of instrument placement is of prime impor-
tance. Any deviation from the normally utilized routine
should be recorded. Both tendon excursion (active motion)
and joint motion or capsular tightness (passive motion)
should be noted, and because proximal joint posture in-
fluences distal joint motion, the position of the elbow,
forearm or wrist should be standardized according to the
specific joint being measured. For example, forearm
motion (pronation, supination) should be measured with the
elbow in 90° of flexion to eliminate the extraneous vari-
able of humeral rotation. Normal motion comparison values
may be obtained by measuring the uninvolved extremity or
in instances of bilateral involvement, through comparison
with normal ratings established by the AAOS.
Wrist Motion
Saggital and coronal wrist motion measurements are signi-
ficantly influenced by both forearm position and place-
ment of the goniometer. To enhance the consistency of
range of motion assessment, it is recommended that wrist
volar flexion and radial and ulnar deviation measure-
ments, be taken with the forearm in pronation and with the
goniometer placed dorsally on the wrist. Wrist dorsi-
flexion should also be measured with the forearm pronated,
but the goniometer should be placed volarly. Alignment of
the goniometer on either the dorsal or volar suface of
the wrist, should correspond to the long axis of the fore-
arm and the third metacarpal, eliminating the variable of
the more mobile fourth and fifth carpometacarpal joints.

3
Fig. l ~Consistency of placement of the goniometer on
either the dorsal or lateral aspect of the joints being
measured is of prime importance.

4
Uigital Motion
When measuring digital motion, the wrist should be placed
in neutral position to minimize the tenodesis effect of
extrinsic musculotendinous units. In addition to record-
ing individual joint motion measurements, total passive
motion (TPM) and total active motion (TAM) values of the
digits are recommended. Total motion of a digit is
described by a single number which represents the summa-
tion of the joint flexion measurements minus the summa-
tion of joint extension deficits.
TPM (Total Passive Motion)
(MP+PIP+DIP passive flexion) (MP +P IP+D IP
passive extension deficit) or total passive
flexion of the digit minus the total passive
extension deficit of the same digit.
TAM (Total Active Motion)
(MP+PIP+DIP active flexion) (MP+PIP +DIP
active extension deficit) or total active
flexion of the digit minus the total active
extension deficit of the same digit.
Total motion measurements are taken with the digits in a
"fisted" position, omitting any type of external "block-
ing" technique. Hyperexte nsion is considered to be a
negative value in the actual mathematical computation of
TAM or TPM. The use of total motion values facilitates
comparison of data by providing a composite statement of
the integrated motion of a digit.
In addition to specific goniometric measurements, the
distances of the individual pulps of the digits from the
distal palmar crease may be recorded in centimeters. Be-
cause of the greater margin of error and the lack of joint
specificity, it is recommended that this method not be
relied upon as the sole measureme nt of digital joint
motion, but may be employed as a useful and often more
graphic adjunctive technique. Prior to the introduction
of the TPM/TAM technique this method was used to obtain
composite digital motion values.

5
 GRIP AND PINCH STRENGTH
In the assessment of grip strength, the use of a standard
adjustable handle dynamometer is recommended. Studies on
normal subjects utilizing this type of dynamometer have
shown that strength measurements vary according to the
subject•s sex, age, hand size, hand dominance, occupation,
motivation, and the time of day which the subject was
tested. Maximum readings occur most frequently in either
the second or third handle position, and on the first or
second attempt of a series of successive trials. To pro-
vide consistency in reporting of clinical and research
data, and in accordance with the guidelines established
by the Clinical Assessment Committee of the American
Society for Surgery of the Hand, it is recommended that
the second handle position of the dynamometer be used
when evaluating grip strength, and that three successive
grip determinations should be recorded in either kilo-
grams or pounds.
Because the position of the extremity directly influences
grip measurements, the patient should be seated with his
shoulder adducted and neutrally rotated, elbow flexed at
90°, and the forearm and wrist in neutral position
(Figure 2). To prevent damage if the dynamometer is in-
advertantly dropped, the examiner lightly supports the
base of the instrument as the patient is instructed to
maximally grip the handles.
Pinch strength, as measured by a commercially available
pinchometer, should be evaluated for both key (thumb pulp
to lateral aspect of middle phalanx of the index finger)
and tip pinch (thumb tip to index finger tip). As with
grip strength, the readings of three successive trials
are recorded in either kilograms or pounds. For consis-
tency, the patient should be positioned as described
above.
It is important to document the variables of patient age,
sex, upper extremity dominance, and hand size. Any devia-
tion from the normally utilized routine of measuring
should be recorded and the serial number of the instrument
employed noted so that the same instrument may be used for
successive evaluations. Subsequent measurements should be
taken at approximately the same time of day that the
initial evaluation was done. Both grip and pinch assess-
ment instruments should be periodically recalibrated to
maintain accuracy.
6
Fig. 2 -- Positioning of the patient and placement of the
dynamometer handle influence grip strength values.

7
Comparison index ratings may be expressed as a percentage
of pre-treatment mean to trial mean; as a percentage of
the contralateral extremity mean to the trial mean; or as
a percentage of an established 11 normal 11 (for the age, sex,
dominance, occupation, etc. of the patient) to trial
mean. When computing the mean or average of the readings
of the successive trials it is statistically important
that the number of trials determining the mean remain
constant. For example, the comparison of a five-trial
mean to a three-trial mean would not be as statistically
significant as would the comparison of two three-trial
means. It is also important to note that studies differ
in reporting 11 normal 11 values for grip and pinch strength
depending on the specific measurement techniques utilized.

VOLUME
A commercially available water displacement volumeter is
recommended for assessment of composite mass of the hand
and forearm (Figure 3), providing immersion of the ex-
tremity in water is not contraindicated. When specific
procedural guidelines are followed, the volumeter has been
shown to be accurate to within 10 ml. In order to assure
a high degree of instrument accuracy, it is recommended
that prior to testing, the volumeter be placed on a level
table and filled with water to the point of overflow. The
patient, with dressings and jewelry removed from the ex-
tremity, should then be seated comfortably next to the
volumeter and instructed to slowly immerse the hand and
forearm until a firm pressure from the stop rod is per-
ceived in the third web space. Once full immersion has
occurred, it is important that the extremity be held
motionless until water spillage from the spout completely
stops.
Variables which have been shown to decrease the accuracy
of volumeter readings include (a) the use of a faucet or
hose which agitates or introduces excess air into the
water when filling the tank, {b) forearm or wrist movement
within the tank, (c) application of an inconsistent pres-
sure on the stop rod, and (d) inconsistent placement of
the volumeter when making successive volumetric measure-
ments.

8
Fig. 3 -- volumeter accuracy has been shown to be within
10 I'll.

9
 DEXTERITY AND COORDINATION
It is recommended that hand coordination or manual dex-
terity be evaluated through the use of standardized hand
function tests . The term "standardized" indicates that a
test has been statis tically proved (A) to assess that
which it purports to evaluate, and (B) to measure con-
sistently in separate testing situations and between dif-
ferent examiners. A standardized test includes: (1) a
statement of purpose or intent, (2) correlation statistics
or other appropriate measure of validity,* (3) correla-
tion statistics or other appropriate measure of relia-
bility,* (4) instrument/equipment descriptions, (5) norms
which may be divided into subcategories appropriate to
the population i.e., age, sex, dominance, and in some
cases, occupation, (6) specific instructions for adminis-
tration, scoring and interpretation, and (7) preferably a
bibliography of related literature.
When administering a standardized hand function test, it
is essential that the specified instructions be followed
and that the presentation sequence and the integrity of
the test be maintained. Portions or sequence of the test
may not be altered unless the consequences of such a
change have been evaluated and are delineated in the
test instructions.
These guidelines (l-7) have been presented to establish a
standard by which any hand function test may be appraised
as to its value as a reliable and valid testing instru-
ment. Examples of standardized hand function tests in-
clude, but are not limited to, the Purdue Pegboard, the
Minnesota Rate of Manipulation , the Crawford Small Parts
Dexterity Test, and the Jebson Hand Dexterity Test
(Figure 4).

*NOTE: "Average" or mean values alone do not denote vali-

dity corre 1at ions or re 1i abi 1ity coefficients.

10
A

Fig. 4 (A) - The Jebson Hand dexterity Test, consisting

of seven timed subtests, may be used to assess gross co-
ordination skills. (B) The Purdue Pegboard is an example
of a standardized test which measures fine hand coordina-
t ion .
11
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

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13
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14
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15
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16
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17

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