Background:
Fine motor activities such as opening jars, turning valves, and rotating keys depend on torque generation by the thumb and fingers. Many hand disorders, including osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendinopathy, impair this ability, leading to pain and functional limitation. While hand strength is commonly assessed using dynamometers for grip and pinch, no standardised or validated clinical measure exists for assessing thumb and finger torque. This represents a significant gap in clinical practice and research.
Aims and Hypotheses:
This project aims to (1) determine the intra- and inter-rater reliability of a novel thumb and finger torque measurement device, and (2) establish normative reference values across age and sex categories in healthy adults. We hypothesise that torque measurements obtained with the adapted device will demonstrate excellent reliability (ICC > 0.8) and predictable variations by hand dominance, sex, and age.
Objectives:
Phase 1 will evaluate the reliability of the adapted torque apparatus through repeated measures by two independent testers. Phase 2 will apply the validated protocol to a broader sample to create normative data stratified by age, sex, and hand dominance.
Methods:
Thirty healthy adults will participate in Phase 1, and up to seventy adults across seven age groups (20–89 years) will be recruited for Phase 2. Participants will perform three torque-based grip tests under standardised conditions. Data will be analysed using intraclass correlation coefficients, standard error of measurement, and descriptive statistics.
Expected Outcomes:
The project will deliver a validated and reliable measurement protocol for thumb and finger torque and a normative reference database for clinical use. These outputs will address a key unmet need in hand function assessment and provide a foundation for future studies involving individuals with hand pain or pathology.