The Relationship Between Finger Touch-Pressure, Pinch Force, and Grip Strength and Symptoms of Numbness in the Elderly

Abstract

　The objective of this basic research study was to evaluate for early finding of numbness-related diseases in the local elderly residents by investigating whether finger touch-pressure, pinch force (between first and second fingers), and grip strength are useful as evaluation parameters. Subjects comprised 106 (31 men, 75 women ; mean age, 75.6 years) who provided consent before participating. In both hands, touch-pressure was measured using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments, pinch force was measured using a pinch meter, and grip strength tests were performed. The subjects were divided into the following three groups : with numbness group (n＝－15) ; without numbness/with disease group (n＝－18) ; and without numbness/without disease group (n＝73). The relationship between touch-pressure, pinch force, and grip strength and numbness wasn’t significantly. But, in the right hand of “without numbness/without disease” group, touch-pressure was highest in the fourth finger, and touch-pressure of the left hand was highest in the fifth finger. No difference was observed between the “with numbness” and “without numbness/with disease” groups in touch-pressure among the five fingers. In addition, differences between the left and right sides in pinch force and grip strength disappeared among individuals with numbness. Therefore, our results suggest that measurement of finger touch-pressure, pinch force, and grip strength represent a useful technique for the assessment of numbness in the elderly.