You have full access to this open access chapter, Download reference work entry PDF
Synonyms
Definition
Manual strength is the force exerted when gripping or grasping an object. Hand strength is measured using a hand dynamometer to determine strength and intensity of voluntary grip movements of the right and left hands. Understanding of manual strength can provide useful information regarding increases or declines in functioning, as well as everyday abilities such as dressing and feeding oneself. A measurement of grip strength can serve as a useful screening tool of one’s overall health, as weakness is a sign of frailty. Hand strength can also be used as a general indicator of the cohesiveness of the central nervous system. Mild peripheral brain injuries may impair manual strength even after other symptoms, such as pain and numbness, have subsided. Increasing an individual’s manual strength can be used to rehabilitate the impairment of functionality and at times is used during post-trauma rehabilitation. Exercising the hands can strengthen grip, increase dexterity, and improve mobility of the wrist. Exercise can also promote coordination, increase range of motion, help with balance training, and aid in overall recovery. Rehabilitation can strengthen the fingers, wrist, and forearm using both extension and flexion exercises.
Cross-References
References and Readings
Bohannon, R. W. (2008). Hand-grip dynamometry predicts future outcomes in aging adults. Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy, 31(1), 3–10.
Dean, R. S., & Woodcock, R. W. (2003). Dean-woodcock neuropsychological battery. Itasca: Riverside.
Reitan, R. M. (1993). The Halsted-Reitan neuropsychological test battery. Tucson: Neuropsychology Press.
Roberts, H. C., Denison, H. J., Martin, H. J., Patel, H. P., Syddall, H., Cooper, C., & Sayer, A. A. (2011). A review of the measurement of grip strength in clinical and epidemiological studies: Towards a standardised approach. Age and Ageing, 40(4), 423–429.
Strauss, E., Spreen, O., & Sherman, E. (2006). A compendium of neurological tests: Administration, norms and commentary. New York: Oxford University Press.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2017 Springer International Publishing AG
About this entry
Cite this entry
Makofske, B., Power, E. (2017). Manual Strength. In: Kreutzer, J., DeLuca, J., Caplan, B. (eds) Encyclopedia of Clinical Neuropsychology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-56782-2_1461-2
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-56782-2_1461-2
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-56782-2
Online ISBN: 978-3-319-56782-2
eBook Packages: Springer Reference Behavioral Science and PsychologyReference Module Humanities and Social SciencesReference Module Business, Economics and Social Sciences