Grip and Pinch Tests

Hand strength testing is often used as evidence for clinical decision-making and as an outcome measure for many diseases - carpal tunnel syndrome, nerve injury, tendon injuries of the hand and neuromuscular disorders. It is used to diagnose diseases, judge treatments, monitor progress of muscle strength and provide feedback during the rehabilitation process.

The E-LINK Hand Kit comprises a Dynamometer and Pinchmeter - precision devices that are designed for accuracy, ease and speed of data collection as well as being sensitive to record very small measurements. It is the ideal module to quantify and monitor the effectiveness of various interventions for the upper extremity throughout the whole rehabilitation process.

E-LINK enables formal evaluation of grip and pinch strength to commence very early following injury and continue throughout the full treatment programme
Progress reports are easily generated by E-LINK software and are utilized as definitive clinical outcome measures
Data may be exported for further statistical analysis
In addition, both the Dynamometer and Pinchmeter may be used for gradable, therapeutic exercise immediately following evaluation
Wireless E-LINK brings even more benefits - greater portability and ease of set up – perfect for taking the E-LINK Hand Kit to clinics or for private use in medical consultations

E-LINK Dynamometer

The Dynamometer easily and accurately registers a patient's grip strength from 0.1kg/lb measurement through to a maximum of 90kg (200lbs). This covers assessments for patients of all ages with acute hand injuries as well as for patients needing regular progressive monitoring throughout the full rehabilitation process.

As the E-LINK Dynamometer is sensitive to detect very small readings it is ideal to use for weak patients with chronic debilitating conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis. The sensitivity of the device still enables progress to be monitored where there may only be minimal change over time.

E-LINK software generates progress reports displaying up to 10 standard grip test results and measurements are compared with accepted Jamar normative data.

E-LINK also incorporates a powerful Export function which is ideally placed for clinical research. Parameters are easily selected to quickly define the export criteria and then single or multiple patient data is exported as an ASCII file. This data can then be easily imported into other applications for statistical analysis – perfect for audit and research studies.

The following tests, using the Dynamometer with E-LINK software, can be carried out quickly and include assessments that cannot be undertaken with a manual device. The results may be viewed immediately following assessment and help both the patient and clinician focus on the effectiveness of any treatment undertaken.

Standard Peak Force Grip Test (1/4)

Three measurements can be quickly entered for each hand position as required. The software automatically calculates the average grip and the coefficient of variation percentage as an indication of the measurement consistency. A force distribution graph is displayed for the five positions.

Sustained Grip Test (2/4)

This test measures force over time for a 5, 10, 15 or 30 sec interval. Peak force, time to reach peak force, average to peak ratio percentage (sustainability) and fatigue rate are automatically calculated and immediately displayed. The current graph can be compared with a prior test to analyze progress.

Rapid Exchange Grip Test (3/4)

Undertaken for the detection of sub-maximal effort, this test is easily performed and documents the grip force applied for eight tests of each hand with a 1, 1.5 or 2 sec interval set timing. The results are displayed in both graph and table form for immediate analysis.

Progress Reports (4/4)

Progress Reports can be readily generated covering a maximum of 10 tests and the data is displayed in both graph and table format. Automatic calculations show the percentage of change from one session to another, the percentage of change from the first test and the percentage comparison to standard, normative Jamar data for both pediatric and adult values. Ideal as an Outcome Measure and for a Discharge Summary.

P200 Pinchmeter with AD1 Wireless Adaptor – Lateral Pinch Evaluation

P200 Pinchmeter with AD1 Adaptor – Key Pinch Evaluation

E-LINK Pinchmeter

Combined with grip strength, pinch strength measurements evaluate the collective action of a large number of intrinsic and extrinsic hand muscles as well as a number of different joints. Monitoring the progress of muscle strength separately for pinch grip is relevant for functional activities that require finer movement.

The E-LINK Pinchmeter is the ideal device for evaluation as it has a unique, low profile design that permits measurement to be undertaken at a point closer to the functional end range than any other Pinchmeter device, either manual or electronic. The device also accommodates easy positioning for standard key pinch, three jaw and tip-to-tip measurements. Thumb to individual finger opposition may also be monitored.

The E-LINK Pinchmeter accurately measures a patient's pinch strength from 0.1kg/lb measurement through to a maximum of 22kg (50lbs) and readings are displayed on the computer screen for immediate feedback. Data may also be readily exported for research purposes. As with the Dynamometer the E-LINK Pinchmeter brings great benefit to the clinician for a wide variety of patients.

The E-LINK software quickly and easily records the following tests using the E-LINK Pinchmeter:

Standard Peak Force Pinch Test (1/3)

This test can be taken for the key (lateral), three jaw (tri-pod) and tip to tip positions. Three trials per position can be recorded and the software automatically calculates the average Pinch measurement and the co-efficient of variation percentage as an indication of the measurement consistency. Single measurements of Thumb to Digit Opposition can also be entered for each digit.

Sustained Pinch Test (2/3)

Progress Reports (3/3)

Progress Reports can be easily generated covering a maximum of 10 tests and the data is displayed in both graph and table format. Automatic calculations show the percentage of change from one session to another and the percentage of change from the first test. These Reports are ideal as an immediate clinical Outcome Measure and for Discharge Summaries.

As for the Dynamometer, data obtained by the E-LINK Pinchmeter may also be readily exported for research purposes.

The E-LINK Hand Kit is the perfect module where speedy and accurate evaluations of both gross and finer grip measurements are needed for medical evaluations.