Na Jin Seo1, Leah R Enders. 1. Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 3200 North Cramer Street, Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA. seon@uwm.edu
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN: N/A. BACKGROUND: One of the hand function assessment tools is the Box and Block Test (BBT). PURPOSE: To examine if the BBT score is affected by grip surfaces. METHODS: Thirteen adults performed the BBT with wooden, rubber-covered, and paper-covered blocks. The BBT scores and time for seven movements (finger closing, contact to lift-off, transport before barrier, transport after barrier, release, return, and reach) were compared across the three block types. RESULTS: The mean BBT score was 8% higher for the rubber blocks than the paper and wooden blocks (p<0.01) due to the reduced time for contact to lift-off (when the finger touches a block until the block is lifted). CONCLUSIONS: Hand function assessments should be controlled for object surfaces. Therapists may vary grip difficulties by changing object surfaces. Redesigning daily objects with high-friction surfaces may increase grip function. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.
STUDY DESIGN: N/A. BACKGROUND: One of the hand function assessment tools is the Box and Block Test (BBT). PURPOSE: To examine if the BBT score is affected by grip surfaces. METHODS: Thirteen adults performed the BBT with wooden, rubber-covered, and paper-covered blocks. The BBT scores and time for seven movements (finger closing, contact to lift-off, transport before barrier, transport after barrier, release, return, and reach) were compared across the three block types. RESULTS: The mean BBT score was 8% higher for the rubber blocks than the paper and wooden blocks (p<0.01) due to the reduced time for contact to lift-off (when the finger touches a block until the block is lifted). CONCLUSIONS: Hand function assessments should be controlled for object surfaces. Therapists may vary grip difficulties by changing object surfaces. Redesigning daily objects with high-friction surfaces may increase grip function. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.
Authors: Na Jin Seo; Viswanathan Ramakrishnan; Michelle L Woodbury; Leonardo Bonilha; Christian Finetto; Christian Schranz; Gabrielle Scronce; Kristen Coupland; Jenna Blaschke; Adam Baker; Keith Howard; Caitlyn Meinzer; Craig A Velozo; Robert J Adams Journal: Trials Date: 2022-04-05 Impact factor: 2.279