A Study to Evaluate Pencil Grip Type, Hand Functions - Dexterity & Grip Strength in Children Using Tech for 2 or More Hours a Day

Abstract

Background: These days, modern innovative technology plays a crucial part in our life. Touch screens has become the primary interaction method for smart phones due to their ability to combine input and output in a single interface. On the one hand, it has made our lives easier by allowing us to browse the internet, have essential conversations, and have a source of pleasure. Frequent use of technical devices without taking regular rest periods may result in cumulative trauma disorders to the neck, shoulders, hands and wrists. These disorders may occur because Smartphone, iPod etc. use typically requires thumb and finger interactions with the screen. Reports have shown that extended technology use accompanied by awkward wrist posture can lead to collective trauma disorders of the wrist joints, particularly when the wrist, hands, and fingers are overused. Repetitive static motion of the hands may also decrease blood supply and prevent nutrients from being delivered to muscles, thus leading to pain and muscle fatigue may result into poor hand function including reduced grip strength & poor dexterity. Children are attracted to smart phones because these devices can be used anywhere and contain games that are specifically matched to their ages. Numbers of studies have been done on Smartphone usage, hand writing performance & grip strength individually. However, the link between Smartphone addiction and grip strength and upper limb disability has been left unnoticed. Methodology: A cross sectional observational study was conducted to evaluate pencil grip type, hand dexterity & grip strength in children using technological devices for 2 or more hours a day dividing subjects into 2 groups. Group A: Children using technological devices for 2 or more hours a day. Group B: Children not using technological devices. Written consent was taken from the subjects and the subjects were made to understand the purpose of the study. Hand dexterity was evaluated using Functional Dexterity Test, Grip strength with hand held dynamometer & Pencil grip type was evaluated. Results: Data analysis was done using Graph Pad Prism 6. In Group A, Dynamic Tripod grasp was present in 19 subjects (61.29%) Five finger grasp in 0 subjects (0 %,), Thumb Wrap grasp in 1 subject (3.22%), Upright tripod grasp in 11 subject (35.48%).In Group B, Dynamic Tripod grasp was present in 26 subjects (83.87%) Five finger grasp in 0 subjects (0 %,), Thumb Wrap grasp in 1 subject (3.22%), Upright tripod grasp in 4 subjects (12.90%).The result showed significant difference for the functional dexterity test between Group A and Group B (t = 5.725 and p = 0.0001) & grip strength between Group A and Group B (t = 6.449 and p = 0.0001). Conclusion: Increased use of tech devices significantly affects Hand performance like Grip strength, Hand dexterity & Pencil grip pattern amongst children. Key words: Hand Dexterity, Grip Strength, Pencil Grip Type, Smart Phone Use, Functional Dexterity Test, Hand Writing Performance.