Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Hand Pressure And Force: Adapted Knives Compared To A Straight Knife, Melissa S. Hudecz, Lillian A. Schaefer, Katherine A. Simon

Hand and Upper Extremity

This study analyzed the pressure and force required to cut an object with a standard kitchen knife and two adaptive knives. Occupational therapists recommend adaptive utensils such as kitchen knives. The appropriate tool or adaptive device reduces joint force and pressure and helps keep joints properly aligned to reduce pain during daily activities for individuals with arthritis. This research seeks to add to the body of knowledge to support the use of adapted equipment. Methods: Thirty-three participants were included in this study. Data were collected using a hand sensor and software made by Novel Pliance-X. This tool was found to …

Impact Of Finger Position On Pinch Strength, Rachel Boerema, Jamie Powers, Kelsey Walukonis

Hand and Upper Extremity

The purpose of this study was to assess for differences in the amount of tip, lateral, and three-jaw-chuck pinch force generated when fingers are placed on the groove or bridge of a B&L pinch gauge. Thirty-six healthy volunteers (9 males, 27 females), ages 19-49, participated in the study. Using a quantitative crossover design, each participant pinched six times: one for each type of pinch with fingers placed on the groove and bridge. Although no significant differences were found, results revealed slightly higher three-jaw- chuck and lateral pinch strength when fingers were placed on the groove, whereas tip pinch strength was …

Effective Conservative Treatments For De Quervain’S Tenosynovitis: A Retrospective Outcome Study, Katherine Oosting, Brittany Krenselewski, Claire Dolislager

Hand and Upper Extremity

Introduction: De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a repetitive stress disorder occurring at the first dorsal compartment of the wrist at the radial styloid and is commonly treated by hand therapists.^1-3 Conservative treatments include activity modification, modalities, orthotics, and manual therapy.^4-7The literature is unclear regarding best practice for treating de Quervain’s tenosynovitis with conservative methods.^5,8,9

Purpose of the study: The purpose of this study was to identify which treatment or treatment combinations was most effective to reduce pain and improve functional outcomes for patients with de Quervain’s tenosynovitis.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted with 42 …