Comparison of Upper Extremity Functions of Physiotherapy Students

Comparison of Upper Extremity Functions of Physiotherapy Students With Different Hand Preferences

The purpose of this cross-sectional, comparative study is to comprehensively evaluate and compare upper extremity functions among physiotherapy students with different hand preferences. Handedness is a fundamental neuromotor characteristic that significantly influences upper extremity functions, including muscle strength, motor skills, coordination, and movement speed. These differences in motor performance can have prominent implications in professional fields like physiotherapy and rehabilitation, which demand a high level of manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and precise motor control during clinical applications.

While previous literature has predominantly focused on isolated measures such as grip strength, multi-dimensional studies that concurrently evaluate hand preference, objective motor performance, strength, and self-reported functional status remain limited. This study aims to fill this gap by determining whether significant differences exist in strength, performance, and functional levels between right-handed and left-handed individuals within a specialized student population.

A total of 42 physiotherapy and rehabilitation students aged 18 and older will be recruited through convenient sampling. Hand preference and lateralization will be objectively determined using the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory, categorizing participants based on their Laterality Quotient (LQ). Upper extremity functional levels, manual dexterity, and strength will be thoroughly evaluated. Self-reported upper extremity disability will be measured using the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire. Performance-based manual dexterity and functional capacity will be objectively assessed using the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test, which measures the time taken to complete seven simulated activities of daily living. Gross grip strength will be measured with a Jamar hand dynamometer, and fine pinch strength will be quantified using a pinchmeter. All assessments will be performed under standardized environmental conditions with dedicated, trained assessors to ensure high measurement reliability. The outcomes will provide critical insights into neuromotor control strategies and potential ergonomic adjustments needed for left-handed students during their clinical training.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being a student currently enrolled in the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation.
• Being aged 18 years or older.
• Voluntary participation with signed informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having a history of orthopedic surgery, severe trauma, or structural deformity in the upper extremities.
• Diagnosis of any neurological, rheumatological, or systemic disease that permanently affects upper extremity motor functions or muscle strength.
• Presence of acute pain, injury, or active inflammatory conditions in the dominant or non-dominant upper extremity within the last 3 months.
• Sensory deficits or uncorrected visual impairments that prevent understanding or performing the functional tests.