A Retrospective Study of the Correlation Between Hand Grip Strength and Functional Outcomes for Clients with Shoulder Pain

Abstract

functional Abstract Background: People with orthopedic shoulder injuries often have reductions in grip strength and function, but the correlation of these relationship is unclear. Purpose: Explore the relationship between grip strength scores and functional outcome measures scores for patients experiencing shoulder pain and examine whether occupational therapy intervention was associated with positive changes in grip strength and self-reported function. Methods: A retrospective cohort study examining the charts of patients seen in an outpatient clinic June 2014-July 2018, with the following inclusion people 18-85 years of age with acute/chronic shoulder pain, and/or rotator cuff pathology. Patients received therapeutic exercise/ activity; modalities; and functional training. Outcome measurements included baseline/discharge scores for grip strength and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), a self-report of pain and disability with a total percentage score ranging from 0 to 100, where 0 = best and 100 = worst. Results: The records of 31 people met inclusion criteria. Grip strength increased (x ̅=7.6± 11.1lbs); SPADI scores decreased (improved) by 26.6±19.7 points. A moderate, negative correlation (r = -0.596, P = .01) was found between initial affected grip strength scores and initial SPADI scores. Conversely, there was positive correlation (r = 0.80, P = .67) between post-intervention grip strength scores and SPADI scores. Conclusion: Grip strength and SPADI scores improved after a course of occupational therapy. There was also a moderate correlation between pre-intervention grip strength and SPADI scores and a positive correlation between the post-intervention grip and SPADI scores.