Test-Retest Reliability of Grip Force Sense for Proprioception Assessment

Test-Retest Reliability of Grip Force Sense for Proprioception Assessment in Healthy Participants

The aim of this study is to investigate the test-retest reliability of the grip force sense, a component of proprioception, using a dynamometer that is easily accessible and usable in a clinical setting. This provides an accessible assessment method for research in the field of proprioception.

Participants aged 18-24 who are willing to participate in the study will be included. The necessary demographic information will be obtained using a data form. Participants will be seated in a chair with back support. Participants will perform isometric grip tasks with their arms at their sides, elbows flexed at 90°, and wrists in a neutral position. Subsequently, to assess participants' grip force sense, they will be measured on how accurately they can perform the applied 'force reproduction tasks'. Participants will be subjected to three different target force levels (10%, 30%, and 50% MVIC). A total of 9 trials will be conducted, with three repetitions for each force level. Participants will perform these 9 trials in two separate sessions (Session 1 and Session 2). The sessions will be conducted 7 days apart, in the same laboratory environment and by the same researcher. This will allow for the assessment of the test-retest reliability of the grip force sense. Throughout this process, grip strength will be measured using a digital hand dynamometer. Force values will be observed via a digital monitor. Three different error types will be calculated from the data related to the force reproduction task: (1) AE (Absolute Error), (2) CE (Constant Error), and (3) VE (Variable Error). Minimum-maximum values, mean and standard deviation will be used in the evaluation of continuous data, while frequency distributions and percentages will be used for categorical data. The data of the study will be analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 21.1 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) statistical package programmes. In all analyses, p<0.05 will be considered statistically significant.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18-24 years
• Volunteering to participate

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having a history of hand surgery
• Having any active pathology or pain complaints in the hand