Abstract
Purpose
The 10-s grip and release (G&R) test and 10-s step test were reported to be useful tools to evaluate the severity of cervical myelopathy quantitatively. The purpose of this study is to establish the standard values of the 10-s G&R test and 10-s step test as quantitative tests for cervical myelopathy and to elucidate the aging variation and gender difference of those values in a large cohort of normal subjects.
Methods
A total of 1230 healthy volunteers were enrolled. They included at least 100 men and 100 women in each decade from the 20s to 70s. Three tests were performed: the number of finger grips and releases in 10 s, number of steps in 10 s, and gripping power.
Results
The average number of G&Rs on the weaker side was 21.5 ± 5.5, whereas the average number of steps was 19.7 ± 3.4. The average gripping power on the weaker side was 29.5 ± 9.6 kg. The number of G&Rs and steps in 10 s decreased significantly with age (r = −0.58, −0.43, respectively). The average number of G&Rs on the weaker side was <20 in the 60s and 70s. The number of G&Rs was significantly correlated with the number of steps and gripping power. A significant difference was seen between the genders in all three tests.
Conclusion
The standard values of the 10-s G&R test, 10-s step test, and gripping power were established in this study. When these quantifiable tests are used as screening tests of cervical myelopathy, aging variation and gender difference should be considered.
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Acknowledgments
This research was partially supported by research funds to promote the hospital functions of the Japan Labor Health and Welfare Organization.
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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
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Yukawa, Y., Nakashima, H., Ito, K. et al. Quantifiable tests for cervical myelopathy; 10-s grip and release test and 10-s step test: standard values and aging variation from 1230 healthy volunteers. J Orthop Sci 18, 509–513 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00776-013-0381-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00776-013-0381-6