Hand span influences optimal grip span in adolescents with Down syndrome

INTRODUCTION The hand grip strength test provides useful and reliable information about overall health. Different studies have investigated the optimal grip span for determining maximal hand grip strength in different populations such as adults, adolescents and children without disabilities. OBJECTIVE To ascertain whether there is an optimal grip span for determining maximal hand grip strength in adolescents with Down syndrome (DS). METHODS Twenty-seven right-handed youths with DS (seven females) aged 15.5 ± 3.6 years were evaluated in this methodological study. Each hand was randomly tested on ten times using five different grip spans, allowing one-minute rest between attempts. The hand span was measured from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the small finger with the hand widely opened. To confirm the usefulness of the optimal grip span, a new group of 15 adolescents with DS were recruited. RESULTS An optimal grip span was identified for the dominant hand in adolescents with DS. The equation relating grip span as a function of dominant hand span in this group is formulated as follows: y = 0.342x - 1.161 cm (r = 0.63, p < 0.05). In the case of non-dominant hand, a tendency towards a linear association (p = 0.058) was found; the equation is formulated as follows: y = 0,210x + 1.324 cm. CONCLUSION It is important to standardize the procedure and increase reliability when measuring hand grip strength in DS population. The values stated in this study are recommended to assess hand grip strength in adolescents with Down syndrome.