Assessment of handgrip strength among clients with osteoarthritis

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a type of degenerative joint disease that results from breakdown of joint cartilage and underlying bone. The most common symptoms are joint pain and stiffness. Usually, the symptoms progress slowly over years. Initially they may occur only after exercise but can become constant over time. Other symptoms may include joint swelling, decreased range of motion, and, when the back is affected, weakness or numbness of the arms and legs. Objectives: To assess the level of handgrip strength and association between level of handgrip strength among clients with osteoarthritis with their selected demographic variables. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. 50 osteoarthritis clients were selected by using Non-Probability convenience sampling technique. Handheld dynamometer was used to assess the level of handgrip strength among clients. Results: The study result showed that mean and standard deviation on right-hand and left hand for 90° Elbow Flexion were 63±15 and 64±14, 90° Shoulder Flexion were 66±16 and 59±15 and Arm Dangled Position were 60±15 63±16 respectively. The calculated paired ‘t’ test value for 90° Elbow Flexion was 2.96, 90°Shoulder Flexion was 1.98, Arm Dangled Position was 2.23 found to be statistically significant at p