Synonyms
Grip strength; Hand strength
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...
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References and Readings
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Makofske, B., Power, E. (2018). Manual Strength. In: Kreutzer, J.S., DeLuca, J., Caplan, B. (eds) Encyclopedia of Clinical Neuropsychology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57111-9_1461
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57111-9_1461
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