BASELINE HAND DYNAMOMETER KIT

The Hand Dynamometer kit, consisting of three instruments contained in a carrying case, offers numerous features for standard screening, and for evaluating hand traumas and pathologies.

Medical device: class I

1. The HYDRAULIC HAND DYNAMOMETER: The Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer is designed to provide years of dependable service. It is a precision instrument and its accuracy can be impaired by abuse. Have the patient use the wrist safety strap to minimize the chance of dropping the instrument accidentally.
    
2. The HYDRAULIC PINCH GAUGE: Hydraulic pinch gauge who allows a precise and true measurement of the pressure exerted. During the measurement, the therapist holds the gauge, while the patient exerts pressure with his/her fingers. The indicator remains at the maximum reading until it is reset.
    
3. The FINGER GONIOMETER: Finger goniometer made out of stainless steel for measurements of metacarpal, phalangeal and interphalangeal joints. The degrees measured are displayed on both sides of the goniometer.

FEATURES

• Dual-Scale Readout. Displays grip force in pounds and kilograms - 200 pounds or 90 kg maximum reading.
• Peak-Hold needle. For convenience and ease of recording, it automatically retains the highest reading on the peak-hold needle. The indicator remains at the maximum reading until it is reset.
• Accurate and Reproducible. It is isometric in use, with almost no perceptible motion of the handles, regardless of grip strength. This ensures accurate, reproducible results.
• Adjustable Handle. To accommodate many hand sizes, the handle adjusts to five grip positions: from 1.3/8'' to 3.3/8'', in half-inch increments. Since grip strength may also vary in an individual patient, this feature allows therapists to quantify grip strength for objects of different sizes.

BENEFITS

Some patients may be reluctant to exert maximum strength in grip force evaluation. Repeated tests after short rest periods will determine if a patient is exerting maximum strength.

1. Test grip in the usual manner, taking readings with the hand grip in each position of the dynameter.
2. Test the normal hand, followed by the injured hand. Allow the patient to see the readings.
3. After about five minutes, repeat the test.

Usually, if the patient has carried out the test with full strength, there will be less than 10% variations in results for different grip positions. Instead, if the patient has not exerted maximum strength, there will be a larger, inconsistent variations between the test.