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- Brorsson, Sofia, 1973-, et al.
(författare)
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A new force measurement device for evaluating finger extension function in the healthy and rheumatoid arthritis hand
- 2008
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Ingår i: Technology and Health Care. - Amsterdam : IOS Press. - 0928-7329 .- 1878-7401. ; 16:4, s. 283-292
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Although often neglected, finger extension force is of great importance for developing grip strength. This paper describes the design and evaluation of a new finger extension force measurement device (EX-it) based on the biomechanics of the hand. Measurement accuracy and test-retest reliability were analysed. The device allows measurements on single fingers as well as all the fingers (excluding the thumb) of both healthy and deformed hands. The coefficient of variation in the device was 1.8% of the applied load, and the test-retest reliability showed a coefficient of variation no more than 7.1% for healthy subjects. This study also provides reference values for finger extension force in healthy subjects and patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Significant differences were found in extension strength between healthy subject and RA patients (men, p < 0.05 and women, p < 0.001). EX-it provides objective and reliable data on the extension force capacity of normal and dysfunctional hands and can be used to evaluate the outcome of therapeutic interventions after hand trauma or disease
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- Brorsson, Sofia, 1973-, et al.
(författare)
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A six-week hand exercise programme improves strength and hand function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
- 2009
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Ingår i: Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine. - Basingstoke : Taylor & Francis. - 1650-1977 .- 1651-2081. ; 41:5, s. 338-342
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the effects of hand exercise in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and to compare the results with healthy controls.METHODS:Forty women (20 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 20 healthy controls) performed a hand exercise programme. The results were evaluated after 6 and 12 weeks with hand force measurements (with a finger extension force measurement device (EX-it) and finger flexion force measurement with Grippit). Hand function was evaluated with the Grip Ability Test (GAT) and with patient relevant questionnaires (Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) and Short Form-36). Ultrasound measurements were performed on m. extensor digitorum communis for analysis of the muscle response to the exercise programme. RESULTS: The extension and flexion force improved in both groups after 6 weeks (p < 0.01). Hand function (GAT) also improved in both groups (p < 0.01). The rheumatoid arthritis group showed improvement in the results of the DASH questionnaire (p < 0.05). The cross-sectional area of the extensor digitorum communis increased significantly in both groups measured with ultrasound. CONCLUSION:A significant improvement in hand force and hand function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis was seen after 6 weeks of hand training; the improvement was even more pronounced after 12 weeks. Hand exercise is thus an effective intervention for rheumatoid arthritis patients, leading to better strength and function.
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- Brorsson, Sofia, 1973-, et al.
(författare)
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Differences in muscle activity during hand-dexterity tasks between women with arthritis and a healthy reference group
- 2014
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Ingår i: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. - London, England : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2474. ; 15
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Impaired hand function is common in patients with arthritis and it affects performance of daily activities; thus, hand exercises are recommended. There is little information on the extent to which the disease affects activation of the flexor and extensor muscles during these hand-dexterity tasks. The purpose of this study was to compare muscle activation during such tasks in subjects with arthritis and in a healthy reference group. Methods: Muscle activation was measured in m. extensor digitorium communis (EDC) and in m. flexor carpi radialis (FCR) with surface electromyography (EMG) in women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA, n = 20), hand osteoarthritis (HOA, n = 16) and in a healthy reference group (n = 20) during the performance of four daily activity tasks and four hand exercises. Maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) was measured to enable intermuscular comparisons, and muscle activation is presented as %MVIC. Results: The arthritis group used a higher %MVIC than the reference group in both FCR and EDC when cutting with a pair of scissors, pulling up a zipper and-for the EDC-also when writing with a pen and using a key (p < 0.02). The exercise "rolling dough with flat hands" required the lowest %MVIC and may be less effective in improving muscle strength. Conclusions: Women with arthritis tend to use higher levels of muscle activation in daily tasks than healthy women, and wrist extensors and flexors appear to be equally affected. It is important that hand training programs reflect real-life situations and focus also on extensor strength.
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- Brorsson, Sofia, 1973-, et al.
(författare)
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Hand flexor and extensor muscle activity in daily activities and hand exercises in women with rheumatoid arthritis or hand osteoarthritis
- 2012
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Ingår i: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. - London, United Kingdom : BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. - 0003-4967 .- 1468-2060. ; 71:Suppl. 3, s. 754-754
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Impaired hand grip function is common and occurs early in the course of disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and hand osteoarthritis (HOA), affecting daily life activities and quality of life.Objectives: To evaluate muscle force and muscle activity in forearm flexors and extensors during daily activities and clinically well-known hand exercises in women with RA and HOA compared with healthy controls Methods: The RA group was consecutively included from a specialist clinic and had a disease duration of at least one year. Women with HOA were allocated from out-patients primary health care clinics in the same area and clinically diagnosed with symptomatic HOA. The age matched control group had no history of hand/arm injuries, inflammatory or muscle disease. Full active finger extension ability was required for all subjects. Hand force (Newton) was measured with EX-it (extension) and Grippit (flexion), both validated instruments. Muscle activity was measured in m. extensor digitorum communis (EDC) and m. flexor carpi radialis (FCR) with surface EMG (S-EMG) on the dominant hand while performing four daily activities (ADL) and four hand exercises and described as percent of maximal voluntary isometric contraction (% MVIC) based on data from EX-it and Grippit. Pain was measured with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) 0-10 (best to worst). Differences between groups were analyzed and controlled for age.Results: Fifty-six women were included; 20 with RA (age mean (SD) 59.2 (10.7) years, VAS pain 2.2 (1.6)), 16 with HOA (age 67.5 (9.3) years, VAS pain 4.1 (1.9)) and 20 healthy controls (age 56.0 (9.7) years). Women with RA and HOA showed decreased extension and flexion force compared with healthy women (p<0.03).There was a tendency towards higher % MVIC in all tests for women with RA or HOA compared with healthy women, with a statistically significant difference between HOA and healthy women for EDC (p<0.05).ADL activities “writing with a pen”, and “cutting with scissors” showed the highest % MVIC in both EDC and FCR in all groups. The exercises “isolated opposition”, and “rolling the dough with flat hands”, had high % MVIC in EDC, while “squeezing the dough” and “isolated opposition” had high % MVIC in FCR.Conclusions: Women with RA and HOA tend to use a higher % MVIC than healthy women in many daily activities and in hand exercises. Strengthening exercises should include both extensor and flexor specific training.Disclosure of Interest: None Declared
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| 7. |
- Brorsson, Sofia, 1973-, et al.
(författare)
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Relationship between finger flexion and extension force in healthy women and women with rheumatoid arthritis
- 2012
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Ingår i: Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine. - Uppsala, Sweden : Stiftelsen Rehabiliteringsinformation. - 1650-1977 .- 1651-2081. ; 44:7, s. 605-608
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: Balance between flexor and extensor muscle activity is essential for optimal function. The purpose of this pilot study was to compare the relationship between maximum finger flexion force and maximum finger extension force in women with rheumatoid arthritis and healthy women.METHODS: Twenty healthy women (median age 61 years) and 20 women with rheumatoid arthritis (median age 59.5 years, median disease duration 16.5 years) were included in the study. Finger extension force was measured with an electronic device, EX-it, and finger flexion force using Grippit. The Grip Ability Test and the score from the patient-reported outcome Disability Arm Shoulder and Hand were used to evaluate activity limitations.RESULTS: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis showed significantly decreased hand function compared with healthy controls. A correlation was found between extension force and flexion force in the healthy group (r = 0.65, p = 0.002),but not in the rheumatoid arthritis group (r = 0.25, p = 0.289).CONCLUSION: Impaired hand function appears to influence the relationship between maximum finger flexion and extension force. This study showed a difference in the relationship between maximum finger flexion and extension force in healthy controls and those with rheumatoid arthritis. © 2012 Foundation of Rehabilitation Information.
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| 8. |
- Brorsson, Sofia, 1973-, et al.
(författare)
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Ultrasound evaluation in combination with finger extension force measurements of the forearm musculus extensor digitorum communis in healthy subjects
- 2008
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Ingår i: BMC Medical Imaging. - London : BioMed Central. - 1471-2342. ; 8
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background:The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of an ultrasound-based method of examining extensor muscle architecture, especially the parameters important for force development. This paper presents the combination of two non-invasive methods for studying the extensor muscle architecture using ultrasound simultaneously with finger extension force measurements.Methods:M. extensor digitorum communis (EDC) was examined in 40 healthy subjects, 20 women and 20 men, aged 35-73 years. Ultrasound measurements were made in a relaxed position of the hand as well as in full contraction. Muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), pennation angle and contraction patterns were measured with ultrasound, and muscle volume and fascicle length were also estimated. Finger extension force was measured using a newly developed finger force measurement device.Results:The following muscle parameters were determined: CSA, circumference, thickness, pennation angles and changes in shape of the muscle CSA. The mean EDC volume in men was 28.3 cm3 and in women 16.6 cm3. The mean CSA was 2.54 cm2 for men and 1.84 cm2 for women. The mean pennation angle for men was 6.5° and for women 5.5°. The mean muscle thickness for men was 1.2 cm and for women 0.76 cm. The mean fascicle length for men was 7.3 cm and for women 5.0 cm. Significant differences were found between men and women regarding EDC volume (p < 0.001), CSA (p < 0.001), pennation angle (p < 0.05), muscle thickness (p < 0.001), fascicle length (p < 0.001) and finger force (p < 0.001). Changes in the shape of muscle architecture during contraction were more pronounced in men than women (p < 0.01). The mean finger extension force for men was 96.7 N and for women 39.6 N. Muscle parameters related to the extension force differed between men and women. For men the muscle volume and muscle CSA were related to extension force, while for women muscle thickness was related to the extension force.Conclusion:Ultrasound is a useful tool for studying muscle architectures in EDC. Muscle parameters of importance for force development were identified. Knowledge concerning the correlation between muscle dynamics and force is of importance for the development of new hand training programmes and rehabilitation after surgery.© 2008 Brorsson et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.
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