The comparison of tripod pinch strength in different positions of prone and sitting in first grade school students

Document Type : Original article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

2 PhD of Physiotherapy, Associate professor, Faculty member of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

3 BSc of Occupational Therapy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

Abstract

Background and Aim: Writing is one of the important functions of the hand. Holding a writing instrument properly needs tripod pinch which is also considered as a prerequisite for writing. Since the quality of writing function depends on tripod pinch strength and also regarding the current assumptions about the effect of different positions such as prone and sitting on pinch strength; therefore, the aim of the present study was to compare tripod pinch strength in three different positions of sitting, standard prone, and preferred prone so that it would be possible to help children with dysgraphia to be positioned in an appropriate position in order to have good control on writing instrument and improve their handwriting abilities.
Materials and Methods: The present inquiry was an observational cross-sectional study which was performed in eight ordinary elementary schools of four areas of educational system in the city of Shiraz. The population consisted of the primary school students. Participants were randomly assigned from the selected schools. Measuring the tripod pinch strength was done by pinch gauge. Data analysis was performed using SPSS (v. 20) and the statistical test of Repeated Measures ANOVA was the choice for analyzing the data.
Results: A total of 123 seven-year old (84-95 months) first grade school students including 57 boys and 66 girls were evaluated. Tripod pinch strength in preferred prone position was significantly higher in comparison with that in the other two positions (p<0/0005).
Conclusion: Considering the contraindications of preferred prone position in some neurologically ill children, it could have the potentials to be used in rehabilitation interventions as a proper position while the intention of the therapy is to improve the handwriting function.

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References

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The Scientific Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine
Volume 5, Issue 1
March and April 2016
Pages 13-20

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History

  • Receive Date: 28 April 2015
  • Revise Date: 29 July 2015
  • Accept Date: 30 July 2015
  • First Publish Date: 20 March 2016

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