Hallux plantar flexor strength in people with diabetic neuropathy: Validation of a simple clinical test

Abstract

Aim: To validate the paper grip test for assessing plantar flexion strength of the hallux.

Methods: Plantar flexor strength for 69 people with diabetic neuropathy was assessed: (a) using the paper grip test while simultaneously a plantar pressure platform quantified the force under the hallux, and (b) using a hand-held dynamometer. Following testing, participants were divided into groups: (1) passed vs. failed paper grip test (2) males vs. females. Statistical analyses determined if differences were evident between the groups and assessed the relationship between the paper grip test and the hand-held dynamometer. The discrimination ability, sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility of the paper grip test was established.

Results: Participants who passed the paper grip test demonstrated greater grip force at the hallux than those who failed, and they also exhibited greater isometric maximum force during the hand-held dynamometry test (p ≤ 0.05). Grip force for males was significantly higher than for females. A moderate positive correlation between the paper grip test and the hand-held dynamometer was evident.

Conclusions: In the population examined the paper grip test was found to be a valid clinical tool; it offers a non-invasive, inexpensive, and quick method to assess plantar flexion strength of the hallux.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus; Diabetic neuropathies; Foot; Hallux; Muscle strength dynamometer; Muscle weakness; Paper grip test; Plantar pressure.