Simple test helps to predict and prevent falls

Date:
July 20, 2020
Source:
Staffordshire University
Summary:
Scientists have developed a simple clinical test that can assess the
lower limb strength of patients to predict their risk of falls. The
''enhanced paper grip test'' involves pulling a small card from
underneath the participant's foot while asking them to grip with
their big toe (Hallux).



FULL STORY ==========================================================================
The "enhanced paper grip test" validated by researchers from the Centre
for Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Technologies (CBRT) at Staffordshire University involves pulling a small card from underneath the participant's
foot while asking them to grip with their big toe (Hallux).


==========================================================================
The proposed test can potentially be used to monitor muscle weakness in
clinics for better falls-risk assessment in patients with diabetes.

Dr Aoife Healy, Associate Professor of Human Movement Biomechanics at
CBRT, said: "The paper grip test is a simple, clinically applicable
test to detect muscle weakness in the foot. The current paper builds
on our previous work and shows its usefulness in assessing strength and
balance in this group of vulnerable patients." The experiment involved assessing twenty healthy volunteers at Staffordshire University's
specialist Biomechanics labs and ten people with diabetes at a diabetic
foot clinic in India.

Hallux grip force was previously found to be strongly linked to the
strength of all muscle groups of the foot and ankle and to the ability
to maintain balance.

The latest results published in Gait and Posture on a modified test
shows the reliability and validity of Hallux grip force during clinical assessment.

Dr Lakshmi Sundar, a co-author in this study and a diabetic foot
specialist from Chennai in India, added: "This type of simple clinical assessment is extremely valuable in low resource settings and helps in providing effective clinical advice." Dr Panagiotis Chatzistergos,
Associate Professor in Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Biomechanics,
who led this study highlighted: "The original version of the paper grip
test was shown to be effective in detecting foot muscle-weakening but
its outcome is operator-dependent. To overcome this limitation, we have developed this enhanced test that replaces the pass/fail outcome with
a continuous measurement of the pulling force that is needed to remove
the card." This latest study is part of the Centre for Biomechanics
and Rehabilitation Technologies' wider work in the area of diabetic foot management which includes research to help prevent life-threatening foot
ulcers and amputations.

Professor Nachi Chockalingam, Director of the Centre for Biomechanics
and Rehabilitation Technologies, said: "Falls and fear of falling are
a major issue in the management of older adults. Also, falling for the
first time sets in motion a cycle of increased fear of falling, reduced activity and loss of strength. This leads to a higher risk for further
falls. So, it is important to identify individuals who might fall and preventing the first fall is extremely important."

========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by Staffordshire_University. Note:
Content may be edited for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Panagiotis E. Chatzistergos, Aoife Healy, Gayathri Balasubramanian,
Lakshmi Sundar, Ambady Ramachandran, Nachiappan
Chockalingam. Reliability and validity of an enhanced paper grip
test; a simple clinical test for assessing lower limb strength. Gait
& Posture, 2020; DOI: 10.1016/ j.gaitpost.2020.07.011 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/07/200720093242.htm

--- up 5 days, 1 hour, 54 minutes
* Origin: -=> Castle Rock BBS <=- Now Husky HPT Powered! (1337:3/111)