Turkish Journal of
GERIATRICS

Kocatepe Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, Fiziksel Tıp ve Rehabilitasyon Anabilim Dalı Afyon Increase of the geriatric population also causes an increase in disability in daily living activities. In this study we have investigated the correlation of hand grip, pinch strength and disability in daily living activities (ADL). 30 geriatric patients and 30 heat thy controls were included into the study, Patients' dominant hands were assessed initially, Hand grip strength was measured by Jamar dynomometer and pinch strength by pinch meter from both hands. Office population Censuses Surveys (OPCS) disability scale for upper extremity dexterity was used in order to determine the disability in ADL In upper extremity there were not any statistically significant difference in hand and pinch grip strengths both dominant and nondominant hands (p>0.05). But in geriatric patients, hand grip strength decreased in dominant and nondominant hands compared to control group (p<0,001). There was no difference in pinch strengths (p>0.05). In geriatric group there was also a statistically significant correlation between hand grip strength and OPCS scores for dominant and nondominant hands (p<0.001). Whereas there was not any correlation between pinch strength and disability in ADL (p>0;05). As a result, hand grip strength decreases in geriatric patients and there is a correlation between hand grip strength and OPCS scores. This could be one of the factors that have an effect on the disability in ADL. We think measurement of hand grip strength could be helpful for prediction of the disability in ADL. Keywords : Geriatry, Hand grip strength, Pinch strength, Disability