Outcome Measures Used to Assess Hand Activity in Amputee and Intact Populations: a Literature Review.

Carlyle, K; Day, S

Abstract

BackgroundThe human hand is critical in assisting with activities of daily living (ADL). Amputation of the hand can affect a person physically, socially and psychologically. Knowledge of outcome measures used to assess upper limb activity of intact and amputee populations may aid in guiding research to develop applicable measurement tools specific to the amputee population. Tools could aid developments in prosthetic design and prescription, which benefit both users and healthcare researchers.ObjectivesThis literature review examined outcome measurement tools used with non-amputee and amputee populations to assess hand activity. The objectives were to identify which characteristics of hand activity are captured by currently available measurement tools.MethodologySearches were conducted using PubMed, Cochrane and ProQuest for studies investigating hand activity for amputee and non-amputee populations. A total of 15 studies were included. PRISMA guidelines were used to assist with study selection. Data extraction and narrative synthesis were carried out.FindingsA total of 32 outcome measures were found. Frequently used tools were: Box and Block Test, Swedish Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire, and range of motion. Studies employed a combination of 2 to 12 tools. Themes extracted were: importance of function and quality of life, the need for realistic tasks, and the need for outcome measures specific of the population.ConclusionThere is a gap in research surrounding outcome measurement tools used to assess hand activity in the amputee population. A combination of outcome measures are required to obtain insight into the hand activities of intact and amputee populations. Function and quality of life are important aspects to consider when describing hand activity.

Citation

Carlyle, K., & Day, S. (2022). Outcome Measures Used to Assess Hand Activity in Amputee and Intact Populations: a Literature Review. Canadian Prosthetics & Orthotics Journal, 5(2), 39023. https://doi.org/10.33137/cpoj.v5i2.39023

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Dec 12, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Dec 25, 2022
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2022
• Deposit Date: Sep 19, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 19, 2023
• Journal: Canadian prosthetics & orthotics journal
• Print ISSN: 2561-987X
• Electronic ISSN: 2561-987X
• Publisher: Canadian Online Publication Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 5
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 39023
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.33137/cpoj.v5i2.39023
• Keywords: Rehabilitation, amputation, Outcome Measures, Prosthetics, Upper Limb, Healthcare, Amputee
• PMID: 37614636