Correlation of Carrying Angle on Hand Grip and Pinch Strength, Upper Limb Strength, and Wrist Function healthy adults
Description
The carrying angle, formed by the arm and forearm, influences hand function and upper limb strength. However, research is limited on how an increased carrying angle, common in young individuals, impacts grip strength, pinch strength, upper limb strength, and wrist function. This study explores this gap, to understand how increased carrying angle affects these aspects of upper limb function. This knowledge can improve clinical assessments and guide rehabilitation strategies for various elbow conditions. This study aimed to investigate the impact of increased carrying angle on hand grip and pinch strength, upper limb strength, and wrist function in young adults. This cross-sectional study recruited young adults (18-24 years old) with an increased carrying angle at a physiotherapy lab in India. Participants with no elbow or wrist issues were recruited (n=266). Carrying angle, hand grip strength, pinch strength, and wrist function were assessed using a universal full-circle goniometer, dynamometer, pinch meter, and patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) respectively. The seated push-up test was used to evaluate upper limb strength. Statistical analysis was done to determine if the increased carrying angle affects these measurements. The study investigated the effect of increased carrying angle on grip and pinch strength, upper limb strength, and wrist function in 266 young adults. While there wasn't a significant link between carrying angle and upper limb strength or perceived wrist function, a weak but significant negative correlation was found between carrying angle and both hand grip strength and pinch strength. This suggests that increased carrying angle may decrease grip and pinch strength in young adults. These findings can inform clinical assessments of elbow conditions. This study found that increased carrying angle in young adults is associated with decreased hand grip and pinch strength, but not upper limb strength or wrist function. This suggests potential muscle weakness with increased carrying angle, warranting further investigation for improved clinical assessments.