Pinch Endurance in Elderly People

There are many items to measure physical functions, and assessment using a hand, such as handgrip strength, draws a great deal of interest. Pinch strength, as well as handgrip strength, can be measured in a short period of time, which makes it a common measurement method used in a clinical setting. However, there are no reports that have evaluated its endurance. Sixteen subjects (78.5±3.2 years old) living in Hiroshima city were measured their dominant hand pinch strength with maximum force for 20 seconds. The average value per second was calculated from the results. Fifteen students (21.5±0.6 years old, hereinafter referred to as the “younger group”) were also measured in the same way for comparison.

Result: The maximum pinch strength in 20 seconds was lower in the elderly group than that in the younger group (4.1±1.3 N vs. 6.8±1.2 N, p<0.01). Both groups showed maximum strength when two seconds had passed. The elderly group showed no significant decrease in pinch strength over 20 seconds, while the younger group showed decrease only after 20 seconds had passed, however, there was no difference between the groups (Group*Time effect p=0.82). In terms of decrease rate from the maximum value, elderly and younger group showed a significant decrease, however there was no difference between the groups (after 16 seconds vs. 15 seconds, Group*Time effect p=0.92).

Conclusion: Measurement of pinch endurance showed no difference in transition of strength in both the elderly and the younger groups: a certain level of strength from the maximum value was able to be exerted. The results could be useful as a reference for demonstrating enduring strength in daily life and sports. We would like to continue to study its effect on circulatory hemodynamics, the comparison with other pinch strength, and the relationship with finger coordination.

Keywords:Pinch Endurance; Elderly

Abbreviations:PD: Pinch Endurance