Abstract

Purpose. This study was conducted to verify the influence of an occupational therapy program on hand grip, pinch grip, and manual dexterity in children with type 1 diabetes.

Methods. Sixty children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, including 31 girls and 29 boys aged 6 to 8 years, participated in the study. They were randomly divided into two equal groups. Group A received a traditional physiotherapy program, while group B received the same traditional physiotherapy program combined with a designed occupational therapy program. All participants underwent laboratory investigation of standardized hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels. Hand grip was measured using a JAMAR hand-held dynamometer. Manual dexterity and pinch strength (tip, tripod, and key strength) were evaluated using the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, second edition, and the Baseline Mechanical Pinch Gauge, respectively, before and after the treatment over a 3-month period with three weekly sessions.

Results. After the treatment, the study group exhibited significant improvements in manual dexterity as well as hand and pinch grip strength compared to their baseline levels (p < 0.01). Additionally, post-treatment comparisons between the study and control groups showed significant enhancements in manual dexterity, hand grip, and pinch grip strength in the study group (p < 0.001). Both groups also demonstrated significant reductions in HbA1c levels post-treatment compared to their pre-treatment measurements (p < 0.001).

Conclusions. A designed occupational therapy program can enhance hand functions in children with type 1 diabetes.

Key words

diabetes, hand functions, manual dexterity, occupational therapy, rehabilitation, pinch grip