Usefulness of the ”PET bottle cap test”as simple evaluation of upper limb functions

A longitudinal study of patients with upper limb fractures

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to longitudinally evaluate 21 patients (Average age 63.6±14.6, 5 males, 16 females) with upper limb fracture using the PET bottle cap test (PCT), in order to confirm whether the PCT accurately measures the recovery of upper limb function. On comparing PCT and Hand 20 scores at various points, there were significant differences in both scores between the initial evaluation and after 1 week and between after 1 week and after 1 month. There were also significant differences in the peg test score, hand grip strength, and pinch strength on the injured side between the initial evaluation and after 1 week, but such differences were not observed after 1 month. On the other hand, there were no significant differences in the times needed to fasten/unfasten buttons and change clothes between the initial evaluation and after 1 week, but they were observed after 1 month. The results demonstrated that the PCT is a useful method to evaluate time-course changes in functions on the injured side and hand manipulation skills on both sides in patients with upper limb fracture. Not requiring special measurement devices, and allowing measurement only with a PET bottle and stopwatch, the PCT may be a versatile and clinically applicable evaluation method.