Grip strength with post-operative and geriatric patients is an important consideration when it comes to safety. If a patient does not have functional grip strength, there is a much higher risk of dropping objects, driving accidents, and a general inability to negotiate doors in public spaces.
Dynamometer
I will typically advise against driving if the patient does not have at least twenty (20) pounds of grip strength.
How do we test grip strength?
Most physical and occupational therapists will measure grip strength with a dynamometer.
As you can see from the photo, the patient grasps the instrument and squeezes as hard as possible. (Note that the dynamometer is adjustable to allow testing grip with different grip sizes.)
Image credit: Top © Tyler Olson – SimpleFoto/Fotolia
Good Afternoon Dan,
Thank you again for taking the time to speak with regarding my inquiry about grip strength and driving. As you may recall, I was requesting this information to use as part of my response during case group discussion this morning. My instructor was impressed that I went beyond doing a literature search to make contact with the one resource I found that objectively related grip strength and driving. As you requested, I’m sending this email for the name of Hand Therapy resource guide the addresses this topic. Again, thank you for taking time to speak with me and adding to my educational experience as a student in the Occupational Therapy Program at Shenandoah University.
Elle
Hey Elle, I am on vacation right know and I will be back on Sunday of this week. I will dig around then and see if I can find the book that I read that from.