Do Handgrip Strength and Dexterity Predict of Respiratory Function ?

Respiratory function tests are noninvasive tests that show how well the lungs are working. The tests measure lung volume, capacity, rates of flow, and gas exchange.RFT measurements were made with the patients in the sitting position, with the nostrils closed with the help of a soft-headed clip that would not cause discomfort. The patients were asked to inhale and then exhale with the help of a cap attached to the spirometer device, which was placed in the mouth and ensured that there was no air leakage. Measurements were carried out in accordance with the standardization criteria determined jointly by the American Thoracic Society (ATS) and the European Respiratory Society (ERS). Cosmed Pony FX brand respiratory function test device was used.The percentages of the predicted values (percent) for forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC and peak expiratory flow (PEF) were used for statistical analysis.

Jamar hand dynamometer, which was recommended by the American Society of Hand Therapists and which has high validity and reliability in many studies and therefore accepted as the gold standard, was used in the measurement of hand grip strength of children. Participants were instructed to sit in a straight-backed chair with feet placed flat on the floor, shoulder abduction and neutral rotation, elbow flexion at 90 °, forearm and wrist in neutral position. Participants were asked to make an isometric contraction by squeezing the dynamometer with as much force as possible, making sure that only one contraction is made for each measurement. In all measurements, the score is evaluated in kilograms.

Nine hole peg test was used to measure hand dexterity. Patients were asked to take nine wooden stick, one by one, from container, place them into holes, then collect them from the holes and put them back in the container. The board should be positioned in the patient's midline. The hand that is not evaluated should hold the edge of the board and provide stability. Times to complete the test are recorded with stopwatch in seconds

The Brooke Upper Extremity Scale is a 6-point scale that allows classification of upper extremity function and also helps document progression.

Functional Grades: Arms and Shoulders:

Standing with arms at the sides, the patient can abduct the arms in a full circle until they touch above the head.

The patient can raise the arms above the head only by flexing the elbow or by using accessory muscles (i.e. by shortening the circumference of the movement) The patient cannot raise hands above the head, but can raise an 8-oz. glass of water to the mouth (using both hands if necessary).

The patient can raise hands to mouth, but cannot raise 8 oz. glass of water to the mouth The patient cannot raise hands to the mouth, but can use the hands to hold a pen or to pick up pennies from a table.

The patient cannot raise hands to the mouth and has no useful function of the hands.

In order to determine the patients to be included in the study, the ambulation levels of the patients were evaluated with the Vignos scale.

Vignos scale for lower extremities

• Walks and climbs stairs without assistance
• Walks and climbs stair with aid of railing
• Walks and climbs stairs slowly with aid of railing (over 25 seconds for 8 standard steps)
• Walks unassisted and rises from chair but cannot climb stairs
• Walks unassisted but cannot rise from chair or climb stairs
• Walks only with assistance or walks independently with long leg braces
• Walks in long leg braces but requires assistance for balance
• Stands in long leg braces but unable to walk even with assistance
• Is in a wheelchair
• Is confined to a bed