Evaluation of hand forces during a joint-protection strategy for women with hand osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE. We evaluated whether a joint-protection strategy changes the mechanics of opening a sealed jar. METHOD. Thirty-one adult women with hand osteoarthritis attempted to open a "sealed" jar instrument when using and not using nonskid material. Grip force, torque, success, and pain were recorded for each trial. RESULTS. Participants used less grip force when twisting with their left hand. The greatest torque and success, yet the least amount of grip force across time, and pain was noted when the left hand turned the lid, the jar was held vertically, the right hand supported the base, and nonskid material was used. CONCLUSION. Women with hand osteoarthritis should be educated to consider the hand they use and their approach when opening sealed jars. Use of nonskid material without additional reasoning may increase load on arthritic joints, pain, and dysfunction. Additional research on task kinematics and the kinetics of the stabilizing hand is needed.