An investigation into hand grip strength as an assessment tool

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    An investigation into the relationship between hand grip strength and functional dependency in elderly adults following a period of hospitalisation- A pilot study

  • IRAS ID

    225839

  • Contact name

    Lucy Redhead

  • Contact email

    l.redhead@brighton.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    University of Brighton

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    0 years, 3 months, 5 days

  • Research summary

    This pilot study will investigate the relationship between hand grip strength and functional dependency. Identifying those patients at most risk of deteriorating ability could save on costly hospital admissions. Currently there are over 40 different assessment tools used by therapists and many are time consuming and require special training to use. Hand grip strength is quick and easy to measure and has been shown to predict future decline in mobility and function.
    The participants will be community dwelling elders who are being discharged home following time in hospital, with a rehabilitation team and care package to support their return to normal activities at home. Dependency will be assessed using two different outcome measures, one patient reported and the other therapist assessed. The measures of hand grip strength will be analysed alongside the dependency outcome scores to see if there is a relationship between them. The therapist assessed outcome measure will be completed by members of the rehabilitation team as part of normal practice. The patient reported outcome measure and hand grip strength will be undertaken by the researcher within the participant's home. These measures will be repeated at the start and again at the end of the therapy team's intervention,with changes over time being analysed. For each participant the number of falls and hospital admissions during this time period will be recorded alongside the amount of care provided upon discharge from the service.

  • REC name

    London - Brighton & Sussex Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    18/LO/0173

  • Date of REC Opinion

    19 Mar 2018

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion