Movement analysis of the distal transverse arch of the dominant hand while grasping and pinching objects: A descriptive, correlational research study

Abstract

Background

The distal transverse arches obtained from active and passive motions of the hand and the used range of motion (u-ROM) of the hand arch in activities of daily living have rarely been reported.

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the distal transverse arch angle of the dominant hand, the influence of age, and the u-ROM of the arch when grasping and pinching objects.

Study Design

Descriptive and correlational research design.

Methods

The active and passive distal transverse arches of the dominant hand of 104 healthy subjects were measured using a goniometer. Additionally, the hand arch was measured when the subjects grasped and pinched objects. These data were used to analyze the correlation with age and to calculate the u-ROM (u-ROM %) rate of the distal transversal arch. Furthermore, the u-ROM% between the ring and fifth finger components of the hand arch was compared.

Results

The active and passive dorsal arch angles were 135.8 (10.0°) and 169.9 (11.5°), respectively. The distal transverse arch angle tended to decline with age (active: r = −0.18, p = 0.07, 95% confidence interval = −0.36 to 0.02; passive: r = −0.40, p ≤ 0.001, 95% confidence interval = −0.55 to −0.23). The u-ROM% of the hand arch in grasping and pinching ranged from 65.5 (9.8)% to 84.6 (11.6)% and from 52.1 (7.9)% to 67.4 (9.1)%, respectively, against active and passive motions. The ring finger component was significantly higher than the fifth finger component (active: p = 0.08 to <0.001, effect size = −0.17 to −0.69; passive: p ≤ 0.001, effect size= −0.71 to −0.86). A similar trend was observed in both men and women.

Conclusions

Therapists should evaluate the movement of the distal transverse arch of the injured hand in detail and consider the age, sex, and component of the hand arch when intervening.