Hand function and power grip strength assessment in individuals with diabetes mellitus

Abstract

A successful object manipulation is crucial for living an independent life. As diabetic individuals could present sensory deficits in their hands, they could decrease functional performance in tasks involving object manipulation. The aim of the study was to compare the performance of diabetic individual without diagnosis of neuropathy with non-diabetic healthy individuals in manipulation task and their maximum power grip strength. Thirteen diabetic individuals without peripheral neuropathy diagnosis (48.6±11.51 years-old; 79.9±10.88 kg; 1.68±0.09 m) and 13 healthy age- and gender-matched controls (48.5±10.09 years-old; 76.44±11.79 kg; 1.69±0.1 m) participated in the study. Hand cutaneous sensitivity was assessed by the Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments examination (SWME) followed by the application of three tests commonly used to assess hand function: Jebsen-Taylor hand function test (JTHFT), nine hole peg test (9HPT) and maximum power grip strength test (GSmax). The results of SWME revealed that eight diabetic individuals presented normal cutaneous sensitivity and five showed mild sensory losses, but that was not enough to characterize them as neuropathic diabetics. Regarding the hand function tests, the results revealed no difference between diabetic individuals and healthy controls in any of the tests performed (diabetic individuals and controls - JHHFT: 26.15±3.06 and 25.78±1.29 s; 9HPT: 15.33±1.35 and 15.48±2.39 s; GSmax: 41.15±10.59 and 43.69±12.59 kgf). Therefore, we conclude that diabetic individuals without neuropathy show no hand function impairment, as well as no reduction in the maximum power grip strength.