Development and Validation of SVPT Device for Assessing Pinch Grip Strength among Neurological Patients

Aim: The purpose of this study was to develop an instrument-Smart Virtual Physical Therapist (SVPT) that assess the pinch grip strength and its measurement was recorded on a Smartphone application, and to validate Smart Virtual Physical Therapist device with standard pinchometer device. Method: Observational study was carried out on 40 patients having neurological condition and grip affection of 20-70 years of age. Measurement of pinch grip strength was done with SVPT device and pinchometer between pulp of thumb and pulp of index finger, middle finger, ring finger and little finger. The measurement was recorded in kilogram. Measurements were done once with right hand and then with left hand. Results: Mean values for pinch grip by SVPT device for index, middle, ring and little finger of right hand were 1.92kg, 1.74kg, 1.40kg, 1.11kg and left hand were 1.84kg, 1.71kg, 1.43kg, 1.04kg respectively. In addition to it mean values by pinchometer for index, middle, ring and little finger of right hand were 3.02kg, 2.87kg, 2.17kg, 1.61kg and left hand were 2.84kg, 2.94kg, 2.28kg, 1.62kg respectively. K value for index, middle, ring and little finger of right and left hand was 0.2. There were 25% of people who were unable to do pinch grip using pinchometer. Conclusion: Smart Virtual Physical Therapist device can’t be replaceable with the standard baseline pinchometer to assess the grip strength. But it is a valid tool to measure pinch grip strength in neurological patients due to greater height of pressure sensor of SVPT device for pad to pad grip. Key words: Hand, Instrumentation, Pinch strength.