Grasp and Release Test for Tetraplegic Hand Assessment: an update of the Grasp and Release Test

Spinal Cord, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41393-023-00907-0 · Published: July 4, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

The Grasp and Release Test (GRT) is used to measure hand function in people with tetraplegia, particularly after surgeries to improve hand function. The original GRT has been revised to make it quicker and easier to use in clinics, especially for people who have had upper limb reconstructive surgery. The updated test, called GRT THA, has changes to how it's administered and scored, but further testing is underway to confirm it's reliability.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

People with tetraplegia

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The GRT THA has been developed with revisions to the original GRT to improve clinical utility for the upper limb reconstructive surgery population.
2
Changes to the GRT THA include clarification of accepted grasp patterns, removal of the specific pre-test, reduction in testing trials, and standardized scoring instructions.
3
The GRT THA aims to reduce the time and effort required for administering the test in a clinical environment.

Research Summary

The Grasp and Release Test (GRT) is a tool used to assess hand function in individuals with tetraplegia, particularly after upper limb reconstructive surgery. The GRT has been revised into the GRT THA to enhance its clinical utility by reducing administration time, clarifying grasp patterns, and standardizing scoring. The GRT THA offers a more efficient and standardized method for quantifying changes in hand function, which can aid in comparing results across different centers and understanding the effectiveness of surgical procedures.

Practical Implications

Improved Clinical Efficiency

The GRT THA reduces the time required for test administration, making it more practical for clinical settings.

Standardized Assessment

The GRT THA standardizes testing procedures and scoring, ensuring consistent and comparable results across different centers.

Enhanced Data Collection

The use of GRT THA facilitates the collection of data on surgical outcomes, which can inform clinical practice and funding decisions.

Study Limitations

1
Psychometric data are not yet available for the GRT THA.
2
The GRT THA is specifically designed for the tetraplegic population undergoing upper limb reconstructive surgery, limiting its applicability to other populations.
3
The time reduction estimates are based on clinical experience and may vary depending on individual patient factors.

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