Investigation of the Validity and Reliability of the K-Force® Grip Dynamometer in the Evaluation of Hand Grip Strength in Individuals with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Abstract

Decreased grip strength is one of the most common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Grip strength is well-known to be closely related to quality of life and upper extremity functionality. In this context, the aim of our study was to examine the validity and reliability of the K-Force (R) Grip dynamometer (KFGD), which evaluated hand grip strength in individuals with CTS. A total of 35 unilateral CTS volunteers, aged 35-63 years were included in this study. Each of the two raters evaluated the participants' grip strength twice, for a total of four times, using the KFGD. In addition, grip strength was evaluated once with a Baseline (R) Grip dynamometer. According to the study findings, both inter-rater and test-retest reliability in the grip strength assessment of the KFGD were excellent (ICC>0.80). In addition, a high correlation was found between the grip strength values of the KFGD and the grip strength values of the Baseline (R) Grip dynamometer (r>0.80, p<0.05). The KFGD can be considered a valid, reliable and practical device for evaluating grip strength. 35 unilateral CTS volunteers, aged 35-63 years were included in this study. Each of the two raters evaluated the participants' grip strength twice, for a total of four times, using the KFGD. In addition, grip strength was evaluated once with a Baseline (R) Grip dynamometer. According to the study findings, both inter-rater and test-retest reliability in the grip strength assessment of the KFGD were excellent (ICC>0.80). In addition, a high correlation was found between the grip strength values of the KFGD and the grip strength values of the Baseline (R) Grip dynamometer (r>0.80, p<0.05). The KFGD can be considered a valid, reliable and practical device for evaluating grip strength.